A BIGGIN Hill school received a pat on the back last week when it was announced it had won a prestigious School of Achievement award for improvement in standards.

Staff and pupils at Cudham Church of England Primary School were delighted when they were notified in writing by Minister for School Standards Estelle Morris MP. The school was given the award after substantial improvement in results between 1997 and 2000.

The letter from Mrs Morris highlighted the success of the school, which landed the award after every child studying English at key stage two last year, achieved the benchmark of level four or above.

A financial bonus of £1,920 will be paid to the school, and will be split between teachers and support staff who played a part in the school's improvement.

Headteacher Gloria Richardson was overwhelmed when she received the letter last Friday morning.

She said: “I'm gobsmacked with the award.

“It was totally out of the blue. We will do our upmost to repeat the good work this year with all the new pupils. From our point of view this is something to celebrate with the children as well as the teachers.”

Mrs Richardson intends to organise a visit from a drama group to reward the children for their efforts.