Darley Dale school is one of best in country

A Dales primary school is one of the top performing schools in the country – according to figures released by government body.
South Darley Primary School has been found to be one of the best in the country in statistics compiled by the Department of Education. Pictured is head Paul Wilde with students and teacher.South Darley Primary School has been found to be one of the best in the country in statistics compiled by the Department of Education. Pictured is head Paul Wilde with students and teacher.
South Darley Primary School has been found to be one of the best in the country in statistics compiled by the Department of Education. Pictured is head Paul Wilde with students and teacher.

South Darley Primary School, in Cross Green, Darley Dale, was given an average points score of 33.6 by the The Department of Education – making it one of the top ten achieving schools in the country and the highest achiever in Derbyshire.

The points are scored on key stage two SATS results for year six pupils.

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There are 52 pupils at the school and 100 per cent of the students tested at South Darley achieved at least a level four in reading, writing or maths.

Closely following in its success was Kirk Ireton Primary School, which achieved a score of 33.3 and All Saints Junior School and Ashover Primary School, both of which scored 31.8 – placing them among the top performers in the country.

Paul Wilde, headteacher at South Darley, put the success of the school down to the dedication of the staff and pupils.

He said: “I think we have got a very dedicated staff who give a lot more beyond what is expected - doing things such as running clubs in the morning or working at the weekend or hours they are not required to work because they want the best for the children.

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“I do also think success breeds success. When you have children doing well the children below them also want to do well. I think it’s a culture of high expectations in a school where everyone wants to do their best.”

Mr Wilde, who has been headteacher at the school for three years, said the school also enjoyed a good relationship with its pupils’ parents.

“We’re such a small school and we are able to get to know the children,” he said.

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