Cambria Primary School, Catterick, visited by Rishi Sunak

Mr Sunak visited Cambrai Primary School which was rated outstanding by Ofsted earlier this year.

It was the school’s first inspection after opening with one year group in 2019.

In July Cambrai received a Primary School of the Year Silver Award winner in the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Winning a silver award means Cambrai Primary School is also shortlisted for the coveted gold award of Primary School of the Year, the winner of which will be announced at a ceremony later this year.

Mr Sunak spent time with all the school’s year groups in the classrooms and the outside play area before taking questions from year five pupils.

He said: “This is a truly inspirational school environment. The staff are clearly doing great work with the pupils and the school environment is superb. I commend its achievements after only five years.”

Cambrai Primary School has been established in what was the building formerly used by Darlington College of Technology. The new school is designed to provide the additional places the Garrison needs as it continues to expand as a military base and housing growth continues in nearby Colburn.

Headteacher Laura Robinson said it had been a thrill for staff and pupils to have Mr Sunak come to the school.

She said: “He joined in with many of the lessons and particularly enjoyed taking part in our Maths teaching. It is good to have his support and recognition for what we are doing at Cambrai.”