Luton primary school praised by Education Secretary for commitment to disadvantaged pupils
A primary school in Luton has been recognised by the Education Secretary for helping its disadvantaged children achieve excellent results, and was named as one of the best performing schools in the country.
Southfield Primary Academy, in Pastures Way, was praised in an email this week from Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education.
The MP for Houghton and Sunderland South said: “Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at Southfield Primary Academy achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year.
“Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.”
The school has around 400 pupils, and 124 of them are eligible for Pupil Premium funding - money given to the school to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers.
There are just under 250 students who learn English as an additional language (61.8%), well over the national average of 23.4% in schools.
Ms Phillipson added: “Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to share your experience and best practice with others.”
Headteacher Sarah Baldwin said: “I am very proud of the recognition our school has received from the Secretary of State for Education for the positive outcomes of disadvantaged children. Southfield has a strong ethos that 'every child can' and our staff and children work hard to ensure this proudly held belief shines through in every classroom.”