TORFAEN’S biggest primary school has spoken of its pride in achieving high accolades.

New Inn Primary School, which is on Golf Road, was created 13 years ago, following the amalgamation of New Inn Infants and Greenlawn Juniors.

In recent years, the number of pupils has steadily increased and it currently stands at 624.

And in that time, the site has made many achievements.

Kate Prendergast, who has been head teacher since October 2013, said: “The biggest achievement for us so far is getting ‘green’ categorisation.

“Each year all schools are given a colour in the Welsh Government’s school banding system.

“There are four colours and we had been amber a few years ago.

“Getting the highest colour is brilliant for all our pupils and staff. A huge amount of work went into achieving this. It was a complete team effort.”

She added: “Our school motto is ‘Working together learning together.’ We want to acknowledge the achievement with everybody. We want a celebratory day to mark the day.”

The head teacher also spoke of other achievements made, such as in Pupil Voice. The group, which consists of pupils, comes together to voice opinions on how to improve the school.

“At our school there is a strong bond between pupils and staff members,” she said.

“We want a strong voice for our pupils - and they have this through Pupil Voice.

“Decisions by Pupil Voice have made New Inn Primary School an even better place to be.

“As well as giving pupils a voice, it is also important that children are learning. One thing pupils are currently working on is the rights of the United Nations for a child. That has been a big focus for the entire school. This is an achievement because children are both being empowered and are learning their rights.”

She added: “There have also been other big achievements. Our charity ambassadors have supported both the Poppy and Foodbank appeals.”

A wide variety of subjects are also on offer for all pupils. But the school puts a great deal of importance on promoting the Welsh language.

The head teacher said: “We have a group of children who encourage the use of the Welsh language.

“The group is called Criw Cymraeg.

“We have Welsh signs all over the school. We believe Welsh is an important language and, as a school, we will continue to promote it.”

Mrs Prendergast also said that pupils' happiness was of “great importance to her”.

She said: “Since our school was created, we have constantly been evolving.

“We are going from strength to strength. I am very proud of the staff and pupils.

“We are unique our achievements - such as the ‘green’ banding, as well as promoting the Welsh language.

“It is easy to be shut away in an office, but here we make sure our children feel valued and that they enjoy themselves. Whether that involves them making the school newspaper or having fun on the playground - it is important that they are happy.

"That is of great importance to me."

For more information on the school, visit the website bit.ly/2DAZwdD