Holy Name Primary School wins award for international connections

Holy Name Primary School in Moss Side, has won a prestigious award for its outstanding work in forging international links.

The school will be presented with the Department for Education and Skills International School Award, administered by the British Council, on Thursday 2 February at 1.30pm.

The presentation will be made to head teacher, Catherine Gordon and deputy headteacher Mrs Agnes Doyle, by the Deputy Director General of the British Council, Martin Davidson in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mohammed Afzal Khan, and the Manchester City Council Chief Executive, Sir Howard Bernstein.

Holy Name is presently the only school in Manchester to win the award and Manchester City Council are hoping the achievement will act as an example to others of what can be achieved in the international arena. Fifteen head teachers from other local schools will be attending the award ceremony.

Guests will be entertained by the pupils of Holy Name performing dances developed with Irish pupils under the Partnership for Ireland Programme and the song When I look at you, which was released on CD by Holy Name pupils together with children from other local schools.

There will also be a short presentation on the school's international programme, describing the links that have been established with schools overseas and the benefits the children at Holy Name have derived from them.

Holy Name has 41% of pupils identified as being in special educational need and 56% qualifying for free school meals, yet has managed to organise an international programme that includes a partnership programme with Ireland, a pen pal scheme with Sierra Leone and a Culture Club, with links in Africa and the Caribbean.

Holy Name has distinguished itself not only in terms of its international programme, but is also among the top 5% in the country value for added scores in Key Stage 1 and 2. Seven years ago, English, Maths and Science were at 7%, 14% and 21%. Today those subjects are at 82%, 82% and 94%.

Head teacher of Holy Name Voluntary Aided Primary School, Catherine Gordon, said: "We are very proud to be recognised for our achievements in the international arena. It is a wonderful reward for all the hard work of our staff, pupils, governors and parents."

And Manchester City Council's executive member for education, Councillor Jeff Smith, said: "I am absolutely delighted for the school. This is a prestigious award and hopefully these achievements can serve as an example to other schools about what can be achieved in the international arena."

• Dave Toomer, tel 0161 234 3237