GLUSBURN schoolchildren are among the top seven per cent of readers in the UK.

The village primary school has been praised by the Government after 96 per cent of year one pupils recently passed the Phonics Screening Check.

The school received a congratulatory letter from the Minister of State for School Standards, M Nick Gibb.

He said: “There is a significant body of evidence that demonstrates that systematic phonics is the most effective method of teaching early reading. We want to ensure that every child develops a firm grasp of phonics.”

Richard Hunt, head of Glusburn Community Primary School, this week highlighted the “outstanding” teaching by the teaching and support staff in year one, which he said built on solid foundations laid by the school’s Early Years team.

Paraphrasing Mr Gibb, he said: “Our pupils develop a firm foundation for reading from which they become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of learning. Well done staff, and thank you parents for supporting reading at home - together we are successful as a team.”