A BASINGSTOKE primary school has achieved something no other county educational facility in the world has.

Castle Hill Primary School, in Winklebury Way, has been presented with a globally recognised award being named the first county school be awarded ‘World Class Status’.

The school has been recognised by High Performance Learning (HPL), a non-profit organisation, which works with schools and teachers to change the face of education and deliver student high performance.

Staff and students at the school had to go through a rigorous and demanding three-year journey which is set out by the HPL which encourages all children to grow into outstanding characters.

At an international conference held in London this month Castle Hill Primary was awarded this prestigious honour and now joins the global fellowship of world class schools.

Headteacher at the school John Martin said: “To be the first state primary school in the world to receive this award is a tremendous honour.

“It is an incredible team achievement that reflects the outstanding and relentless work put in by pupils, parents, governors, teachers and leaders of the school.

“A close partnership with the county, and Basingstoke and Deane, has also been vital to the school’s success.

“Castle Hill, has for many years worked at a national level with the government and we are always keen to point out that there are many fantastic schools in the country.

“We were just lucky to have been chosen to pioneer this world class initiative and I have a hugely talented team who keep driving the school forward. Onwards and upwards. Global award what a hoot.”

To add to an award winning year the school was also selected for publication in this years prestigious Parliamentary Review.