A TYNEDALE school is celebrating after it welcomed its 100th pupil this year.

Stamfordham Primary School, which has increased its roll from 38 pupils in 2006, said it was able to inaugurate its 100th pupil because of the school’s positive performance in the past few years.

It’s the first time the school, which recently changed from a first to a primary, has had this many pupils.

Claire McKinnney, headteacher at the rural village school, said she was delighted to welcome Lillie Burford into Year 6.

Miss McKinney said: “When I first took on the role of headteacher more than 10 years ago, I was worried about the future of the school. We didn’t have many pupils.

“But, thanks to the dedication of a fabulous team of staff, wonderful parents and children, and a truly supportive community and governors, we’ve gone from strength to strength.

“Our success record speaks for itself – Ofsted outstanding, the first school in the county to achieve the UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold Award, and an incredible set of KS2 SATs results last summer are just some of the many examples.”

The UNICEF award helps promote the values of respect, dignity and non-discrimination, through lessons at the school.

The school added a new classroom to house the expanding numbers when it converted from a first school to a primary in 2017.

The Rev. Rachel Scheffer, chairwoman of governors at the school, added: “Claire and the team work so hard, which is reflected in the school’s reputation for academic excellence and superb pastoral care. So it’s no surprise that the school continues to grow.

“That said, we are still a small village school, with a family feel, and strong links to our local community and I know we’ll continue to thrive. Well done everyone, and welcome Lillie.”