School Standards minister Nick Gibb has written to a Middlesbrough primary school with congratulations on results that place it in the top one per cent in the country.

St Pius X Roman Catholic Primary School in Park End has been recognised for its excellence in reading and mathematics in key stage two assessments.

“Thank you for your hard work and professionalism in producing such high standards and congratulations to you and your staff for all you have achieved,” Mr Gibb wrote.

Headteacher Peter Gair said: “We are delighted with the recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication of all our pupils, parents, staff and governors.

“The whole school community has worked hard to provide quality learning experiences for the children with consistently high expectations leading to pupils behaving extremely well and making rapid progress.”

Former St Pius X pupils include Middlesbrough Football Club chairman Steve Gibson and TV presenter and former footballer Chris Kamara.