The Flying High Academy in Mansfield has been ranked the best in Nottinghamshire for progress overall at the end of Key Stage 2.

It was also placed 11th out of 20,840 schools nationally.

Head teacher Tony Warsop said the ranking was down to the hard work of his staff and the dedication of his pupils.

“We are absolutely thrilled at this result,” he said. “The staff and pupils all work so hard, they can be very proud of their achievements.

“This school is a beacon of learning that the community can be proud of.

“That’s what we intended to create when we came here in 2014 and now we have finally shown what can be done when everyone is reaching for the same goals.”

Head of school Caroline Armstrong said pupils’ progress reflected the unstinting enthusiasm they showed in their learning and was testament to the support of their families and the community as a whole.

Year six pupil Max Marriott said: “I am overjoyed to be at the best school in the universe.”

Phoebe Wright, who is also in year six, said she thought the school had done well because everyone helped each other.

“Every little moment being in this school is amazing,” she said. “I love how the teachers support us to do the best we can.”

The Flying High Trust, of which the school is a member, was also listed as the highest-performing primary multi-academy trust in the county, and fourth in the country, in the multi-academy trust league tables.

Caroline added: “This feels like a David and Goliath moment when I think back to where we began in this quest.

“We want everyone to know that every bit of support they have given us has helped us to reach this outstanding result.”

Pictured, from left, are head teacher Tony Warsop, Phoebe Wright, Jamaine Foster, head of school Caroline Armstrong and Max Marriott.