A Pembrokeshire School at the heart of its community has come out on top in a National award.

Monkton Priory beat off all-comers in the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru recently for ‘Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relationships with the Community’, one of seven awards.

The school, which aims to be ‘more than just a school but a community hub’ was judged to have raised its expectations and aspirations and support parents in developing their skills.

Judges said of the school:

“In an area of high deprivation, Monkton Priory has provided an environment that is truly inclusive.

“Having home support has had a major impact on pupils’ attitudes to education and resulted in a vibrant learning environment.

“The school spreads positive messages around education and wellbeing out into the wider community to encourage the most positive impact on pupils’ education possible.”

The School’s headteacher, Shelley Morris who was on hand to collect the awards at a ceremony in Cardiff said working with the community is all part of the school’s ethos.

“We believe that education and wellbeing doesn’t just begin when the gates open, it goes beyond to the community.

“This is not an individual award, this is an award for the whole community.

“We aren’t just a school, we are all about learning from the age of two to 80.

“We are very proud to take this back to Pembroke and to continue our working relationship with the Monkton Community.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong learning, Councillor David Lloyd said the award was recognition for the school’s ground-breaking work in creating a hub for lifelong learning for the entire community while delivering excellence in education for the children.

“Their example provides a working model and a source of inspiration for other schools to follow, which I shall be encouraging.

“I offer my sincere congratulations to the Head-teacher, Shelley Morris and her wonderful team for their outstanding achievement.”