A SCHOOL near Wantage is celebrating after being told it is in the top three per cent of schools nationwide for phonics.

All year one pupils at St Nicholas CofE School in East Challow passed the phonics screening test last year.

The school says it was 'extremely proud' to receive a letter from Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards. In his letter, Mr Gibb wrote: “Your success means your pupils are developing a firm foundation in reading, from which they can become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of reading."

"Thank you for your work in this vital area of a child's early education and congratulations again to you and your staff for all you have achieved.”

Elise Keymer, head teacher at the school, added: “Literacy and love of reading and writing are at the heart of the curriculum at St Nick’s, and we are so proud of all of our students who show us every day their determination to be the best they can be.”

This is the second year in a row St Nick’s have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate at the phonics screening test.

The school received a Good OFSTED grade last year, with particular praise for their early years teaching.