A primary school in Kidderminster has been praised by the Department for Education after being in the "top one per cent in the country" for phonics. 

St Oswald's CofE Primary School received a letter of congratulations from the Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP on its outstanding achievement in the 2023 Phonics Screening Check. 

In the screening check, 100 per cent of pupils in Year One met the expected standard for phonics putting the school in the top one per cent of all primary schools in England. 

Headteacher at St Oswald's CofE Primary School, Carol Reece, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the school and the Trust. Reading is a high priority on our curriculum and we recognise the importance of developing firm foundations in reading for children to become successful learners. 

"I would like to thank the staff who continue to go above and beyond to inspire our children, the children for working so hard and embracing challenges and our parents who continue to support us in all that we do."