Kedington Primary Academy has received governmental praise after its Year 1 phonics results were among the top 3% in the country.

A fantastic 97% of pupils achieved the high marks following last year’s assessment.

And the “outstanding achievement” was recognised by Damian Hinds MP, Minister for Schools, who wrote to congratulate the Kedington pupils.

Mr Hinds said: “We want to ensure every child develops a firm grasp of phonics as the basis on which to improve standards of reading. As such I was delighted to see your results.

“Your particular success in teaching phonics and early reading so effectively means your pupils are developing a firm foundation, from which they can become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of reading.

“I would like to thank you for your commitment and success in this vital area of a child’s early education and congratulate you, your staff and pupils again on all you have achieved.”

Vicky Doherty, executive headteacher at Kedington Primary Academy, said: “We were delighted to receive the letter from the Schools Minister and very proud.

“It was wonderful recognition of our phonics programme and testimony to the hard work of students, staff and families.”