STOCKTON Heath primary school has been recognised for the high quality of its sports lessons and inspirational teaching.

The West Avenue school has been awarded The Association for Physical Education (afPE) distinction level award.

Head teacher, Dan Harding, explained: "We have now been awarded the top PE and Sport award possible – AfPE Distinction Level.

"We already held the afPE quality mark for four years, reapplied to get re-accreditation and they upgraded us to distinction level this time."

The school was handed the title after a validator saw more than 90 per cent of children were predicted to meet or exceed their age related expectations by the end of 2019.

In a report by afPE, it was said: "The head teacher is inspirational.

"His vision for the development of physical education, physical activity and school sport in the school and the impact it has on active lifestyles and whole school development is impressive.

"The recently appointed subject leader is doing an excellent job in developing the subject, by not only providing the best possible opportunities for all children to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of the various sports, but also for developing their enjoyment of taking part in physical activity which will lead to active lifestyles."

All children in the primary school currently receive two hours of PE each week, with extra time given for swimming, along with school competitions and clubs.