KIRKBY Malham Primary School and its partner Settle Primary School have been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark – an accolade which recognises commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching and learning.

The two schools join 5,000 other primary and secondary settings nationwide who have achieved the mark since its launch in 2010, helping to create a solid foundation of quality science education for more than one million children.

Richard Wright, executive headteacher, said: “This is a brilliant achievement. A big well done to our assistant headteacher at Kirkby Malham, Amanda Allen, science lead at Settle, Sam Ambrose, and all the staff.

“The PSQM reviewer was particularly impressed with Mrs Allen and Mrs Ambrose’s subject leadership, the teamwork and dedication to science evidenced at both schools”.

He added: “I am very proud of our schools and delighted with this quality mark. Our children are very fortunate in having such high-quality teaching in their settings. My thanks go to the staff for their hard work in gaining this accolade.”

PSQM is a comprehensive evidence-based professional development programme led by the University of Hertfordshire.

Helen Sizer, PSQM co-director said: “Schools that have achieved a PSQM have demonstrated a significant commitment to science leadership, teaching and learning and the profile and quality of science in each accredited school is very high. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, headteachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”