STAFF and children at a Bicester school have been celebrating after their hard work was officially recognised.

Kings Meadow Primary School has picked up an excellence award from Oxfordshire County Council after getting a top rating from Ofsted inspectors last year.

The Shakespeare Drive school was one of 12 to receive the award. Headteacher Tony Instone said: “‘We were really pleased.

“Primary schools in Bicester are working hard, providing a quality education for all their pupils and we were obviously delighted that our own achievements have been formally recognised.

“Recent developments, including the completion of our new foundation stage unit, will help ensure we continue to invest in and work hard for all our pupils.”

The county council’s director for children, young people and families, Janet Tomlinson, said: “These schools are beacons of excellence, demonstrating a standard to which all our schools should be aspiring.

“It is only right that outstanding schools get the recognition they deserve.”