A PRIMARY school near South Cerney is celebrating after being named among the best in the South West region for the third time. 

Ashton Keynes Primary School was ranked in sixth place for the region in the primary schools list produced by the Sunday Times. 

The school has also been recognised as the 125th best nationally. 

It is the third time the primary has featured on the list. 

Headteacher Samantha Saville said she was ‘immensely proud’ of her pupils, staff and governors. 

“I am delighted to see our school recognised for its exceptional teaching and learning in this year’s listing,” she said.

Swindon Advertiser: Children outside the new Key Stage 1 classrooms at Ashton Keynes Primary School Children outside the new Key Stage 1 classrooms at Ashton Keynes Primary School (Image: Abi Williamson Photography)

“This is our third year being ranked with the best and we continue to strive with our school motto, shine bright and reach for the stars. 

“The commitment of the whole school team to achieve this consistently year on year and to provide the best we can every day for our pupils is key. 

“Whilst academic achievement is important, the family ethos of our school and the whole experience of our children is fundamental.  

“Our pupils really enjoy their time in this happy school, and we see them flourish, ready for their next stage in education. 

“I am immensely proud of all of our pupils, staff and governors and am thankful to our parents for their continued support of the school.” 

Swindon Advertiser: Forest school lesson at Ashton Keynes Forest school lesson at Ashton Keynes (Image: Abi Williamson Photography)

Chair of governors, Michele Collier-Bromelow said: “On behalf of all our governors I’d like to say how proud we are of our team at Ashton Keynes. 

“The school goes above and beyond every single day and this shines through in our pupils. 

“Academically we see amazing progress in all our children encouraging them to reach for the stars.

"But not only that, our children have had a wealth of experiences which widen their horizons and embed core values which they take through to adulthood.”

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, said: “These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents. 

"The success of many schools in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned. 

“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point.

"We want to celebrate excellence.

"We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work."

The full Parent Power Schools Guide 2023 from the Sunday Times can be found here - bit.ly/3CygloG