For many years, Eldon Primary School’s Sats results have been among the best in the country for its size and intake, and the school was rated “outstanding” by Ofsted earlier this year. But there is far more to the school than just test results and Ofsted ratings. Eldon boasts Preston’s only primary radio station - something it has used to boost the confidence and self-esteem of its children while enriching their speaking skills. It has transformed one classroom into a 4D immersive room, which it uses to fire pupils’ imaginations by transporting them from the rain-soaked streets of Lancashire to exotic jungles, outer space and everywhere in between.

To promote the health and wellbeing of its pupils, the school appointed two PE specialists to overhaul its provision and improve children’s lifestyles, and it offers 24 extracurricular clubs with more than 250 pupils participating. While inner-city Preston lacks outdoor space, the school has transformed a piece of nearby derelict land into a thriving area to implement the Forest Schools philosophy. Children visit the land to cook food on open fires, build dens and hunt insects. 

The judges said they were “very impressed by Eldon Primary because of the combination of high standards with joyful learning, creativity and innovation”. They added: “This is a school that
values every aspect of the curriculum and works closely with the wider community. It is evident that not only is the curriculum of a high standard, there are also many other opportunities for children and families beyond the school day.”

For the full list of winners, click here, and keep up-to-date will the glitz and glamour of the night with #TesAwards10.