AN Altrincham school has been named in the top five per cent in the country.

Minister of State for School Standards, Nick Gibb MP, congratulated Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College on being in the top 5 per cent of schools nationally.

He wrote to letter to the Headteacher of the Urban Road school, executive headteacher John Cornally MBE.

He said: “I would like to congratulate you, your staff and your pupils for the high levels of progress your pupils are making.

“Your school’s results, as published on January 19, show that you are amongst the top five per cent of schools in terms of the progress your pupils make between key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, using the Progress 8 measure.

“We want to ensure that every child progresses positively through their education, whatever their starting point, to broaden their future educational and employment opportunities.

“Thank you for your work in producing such high standards and congratulations again to you and your staff for your hard work and professionalism.”

Mr Cornally MBE said: “Our school mission is about Inspiring People Changing Lives and everything we achieve at our school is a team effort.

“Our staff work tirelessly to provide the best education possible for our pupils and to be in the top 5 per cent of schools is a recognition of their hard work over a sustained period of time. I want to thank our outstanding staff, wonderful pupils and supportive parents.

“Well done to everybody.”