A local education success story has been praised by the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson.

He visited Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy, Sutton, and met headteacher Kaye McGuire, school staff and members of the Flying High Trust.

The trust, one of the highest performing primary multi-academy trusts in the country, welcomed Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy into its organisation in 2017 and the school has been transformed.

It recently received a glowing Ofsted report of good in all areas with outstanding features.

The education minister said: “It has been amazing to visit Leamington and to see what a wonderful school it is and what a tremendous impact they are having on children’s lives.

“When you think about the journey that the school has been on and what the whole community has been able to achieve, it is truly inspiring.

“Certainly, many lessons can be learnt as to how we can look at using that experience in other schools across the country. It’s a real credit to the Flying High Trust and how they have taken the school on that improvement journey.”

Chris Wheatley, chief executive of trust, and said the visit allowed the school to take stock of its achievements.

“The journey has been a transformation in terms of the standard of education on offer at the school and the community is now getting the educational high standards that its children thoroughly deserve.

Front, from left, Neil Robinson, trustee of the Flying High Trust; Kaye McGuire, headteacher of Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy; the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP; Chris Wheatley, chief executive of the Flying High Trust; and Ashfield MP Lee Anderson with children from the academy. Photo: Lou Brimble

“The Flying High Trust ethos is epitomised by this school; one in which we strive for equality of opportunity regardless of barriers and one which allows children to flourish and succeed.”

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson added: “I felt incredibly proud to be able to accompany the Education Secretary around he school. The turnaround has been nothing short of amazing.

“The Flying High Trust have proven that with great leadership and a willingness to face challenges head on, anything is possible.”

During the visit, there was a chance for youngsters to question their visitor.

Headdteacher Kaye McGuire added: “It’s a huge compliment that the trust would select Leamington (for the visit) and represents the hard work and determination of the whole school community to make Leamington the best it can be.

“The children formulated some challenging questions for the Secretary of State and acted in a professional way, whilst letting him know how great the school is in true child style.

“Some of the children were representatives of our school council and the experience will help them understand the structure of leadership — right to the national level.”