A SCHOOL has won a prestigious award for the third time.

Hamstel Infant School, on Hamstel Road, Southend, was presented with the National Association for Able Children in Education award in a special assembly led by mayor Andrew Moring.

Jackie Dillnutt, deputy headteacher, said: “I am really proud of the school’s achievement in securing this award for the third time and really the success over a ten year period.

“Winning this award is down to the passion of all the staff to ensure that the children achieve the best they can and really supporting them.”

The school was given the award for its work challenging gifted and talented pupils to achieve their very best.

Mr Moring said: “The day went very well, I attended the assembly with 400 children to present the award.

"The association really enables children to flourish to the best of their ability. They are all allowed to learn at their own level. I was very impressed.”

Hamstel Infant School is one of just ten schools in England and Wales to receive the award three times.