A school in Lane End has won a prestigious award from the Department of Education.

Lane End Primary School has become one of only 27 schools and organisations across the country to win a £15,000 award for the way it develops character amongst its pupils.

The Character Award is designed to provide a boost for schools that show an excellent approach to building character and resilience in their pupils.

The primary school, in Edmonds Road, was the only school in the South East to be picked for the award, which will be used to fund a new technology-based learning cafe on site.

Headteacher Debbie Williams said: “Our school life is underpinned by core values of honesty, consideration, respect, endeavour and courage.  Working closely with Dr Laura Warren, Educational Psychologist, the school has embedded Let’s Get Smart, a reward based approach to build character traits such as honesty, kindness, independence and perseverance in our pupils. 

"We are thrilled to have won this award which is a credit to the hard work and enthusiasm of school community.”

Education secretary, Nicky Morgan, praised the winners, who were chosen by a panel of experts.

She said “Investing in the character of young people will not only help them succeed academically but also improve their job prospects and help them bounce back from setbacks.

“Teachers across the country are doing excellent work to promote character, today’s award winners are leading the way, and I hope other schools can learn from their successful approaches.”

The news of the win comes after the school successfully secured funding for a new wild garden and outdoor classroom, which is due to open in September.