A Haverhill school is celebrating after achieving the best Progress 8 score in the country.

The headteacher of Churchill Academy has praised the hard work of staff and students after coming out on top of all special schools following the publication of results in 2019.

Churchill achieved the best special school score in GCSE results – and indeed the only one to secure a positive Progress 8 rating.

The Progress 8 score shows how much progress pupils make between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2.

Reflecting on the news, headteacher Georgina Ellis said: “We are absolutely delighted with these set of results.

“Everybody has worked incredibly hard to support our students make the progress they have.

“We are proud to support them with their curriculum but also with life skills that will help when they leave Churchill and onto their next stage of their education.”

Tim Coulson, chief executive of Unity Schools Partnership, said: “Churchill Academy has long been a jewel in the crown of our trust.

“Indeed we are taking all the great work and high standards from Churchill and adopting them in plans for more Unity special schools across the region.

“I would like to congratulate the staff, students and school community around Churchill for this fantastic achievement.”