A VILLAGE school has proved it's in a class of its own after clinching a prestigious award.

Clifton upon Teme Primary School took the NFU Countryside Awards' Best Village School title at a glittering awards ceremony in London yesterday.

The school, with 67 pupils aged four to 11, saw off stiff competition from 15 schools across the country to scoop the title.

Judges were impressed with the glowing report Ofsted inspectors gave the school and the way it had transformed a poor attendance record five years ago to near full capacity today.

It was also praised for giving pupils a high quality of education and judges said pupils displayed particular excellence in sport, IT and the arts while enjoying extra curricular activities including a writing club, chess and sports clubs.

The school-based toddler group was highlighted, too, as another example of the way the school contributes to its local rural community.

Project

As well as winning the title, the school will receive £500 to put towards a project of its choice.

Headteacher Debbie Mitchell said she was "thrilled" that the school had won the award.

"We're all absolutely delighted - it's very exciting," she said shortly after picking up the award at the NFU ceremony in Westminster yesterday.

"We were nominated by a parent and I think that was quite significant having a parent saying how delighted they were with their children's education.

"We've had a really good term and this was the icing on the cake."

Ian Dalzell, NFU countryside chief executive, said the Countryside Awards were designed to recognise individuals and organisations that contribute to rural life.

"Clifton upon Teme has done extremely well to win this category against so many strong entries from across the country," said Mr Dalzell.

"People in the area should feel very proud of its achievement."