Monday, 10am - A GRANTHAM school is the first in the East Midlands to be awarded the Every Child Matters Quality Mark.
Walton Girls' High School received the award from Birmingham-based Ormiston Education, which helps schools provide pupils with access to opportunities.
The school has spent six months working towards achieving the gold standard Quality Mark - equivalent to an Ofsted judgement of outstanding.
Headteacher Ros Gulson said: "I'm very proud for our school to be leading the way locally and nationally.
"Working towards this Quality Mark was tough and demanding, but the message from the Government was loud and clear and the support we have had from parents, Governors and staff has been wonderful.
"I feel the gold standard Quality Mark is another reason why our school is so special and our girls thrive in this environment."
Ormiston Education's director of development Joyce Hodgetts said: "We are delighted for the staff and students at Walton Girls' High School that they have attained such a high standard in this Government agenda-related Quality Mark.
"They are leading the country in embracing the standard which can only mean positive things for children in the area."
The award was presented to head girl Alice Wells during a special assembly last week.
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