Stoke-on-Trent school in the top 3% in the country for phonics

School Executive Principal Sarah Rathbone said her team of teachers was "highly skilled" and "dedicated"

A primary school in Stoke-on-Trent has been placed in the top 3% in the country for phonics and reading.

St Mary's Catholic Academy in Norton-Le-Moors received the news in a letter from schools minister Damian Hinds.

Schools in the city have historically not had the best reputation for reading and writing.

The National Literacy Trust has said 31 out of 41 wards in the city are among those with the greatest literacy need in the country.

St Mary's Executive Principal Sarah Rathbone said: "We're so proud of this achievement and recognition for our fantastic children.

"We have very highly skilled and dedicated teachers and support staff who go way above and beyond to make reading part of every child's school day."

She said reading was "one of the greatest gifts" teachers could give children and one they would benefit from for the rest of their lives.

The primary school, in Norton-le-Moors, is rated outstanding by Ofsted

Figures from the Department for Education suggested 83% of pupils who met the expected standard in Year One went on to achieve at least the expected standard in reading at Key Stage 2.

Mr Hinds said in his letter 97% of pupils in Year One at St Marys met the expected standard in their most recent assessment.