A school has been nationally recognised for the quality of its science lessons.

St Monica Primary School in Sholing, part of the Inspire Learning Partnership, has been awarded a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) for its commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching, and learning.

Earlier this year, the school, which became an academy in 2022, was praised for the second year running by London-based Challenge Partners, a national education charity that promotes top classroom practices.

The charity conducted a quality assurance review at the school's request.

St Monica Primary, which has 350 pupils, last year completed a £3 million modernisation programme, upgrading facilities for reception and year one pupils and building two new modular classrooms for year four pupils.

Richard Waghorn, head of school, said: "This is testament to the hard work from our dedicated teaching team, led by our amazing Science lead Emma Bocock.

"We are just so proud, as this highlights the quality science learning in our school and the tireless work of Emma and our incredible team.

"Showing our commitment to exciting science education for the children, we achieved the PSQM through a year-long professional development process, consisting of initial audit, followed by action and evidenced-based reflection."

Another school in the Inspire Learning Partnership, Kanes Hill Primary, also received a PSQM last year.

The PSQM, led by the University of Hertfordshire, is an evidence-based professional development programme aimed at improving science leadership and teaching.

Since its national launch in 2010, more than 5,000 PSQMs have been awarded, benefiting over one million children.

Open events for year R admissions at St Monica Primary School for September 2025 take place at 10am and 4.30pm on Tuesday, November 12.