A PONTYPOOL school has received the highest accolade in recognition of the way it teaches science to pupils.

New Inn Primary was one of only 62 schools in the UK to win a Primary Science Quality Gold Award and the only gold winner in Wales.

The award scheme was launched three years ago by the Primary Teaching Trust to develop and celebrate the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools. Schools achieve a Primary Science Quality Mark award after documenting what they have studied during science classes over a year. This year, 335 schools received the award.

The school’s science co-ordinator, Phillipa Minto, said: “This is the first time we have entered and we are really thrilled and proud to receive a gold award. I hope more schools will sign up to the scheme.”