STAFF and students at a Romford school are celebrating twice over after receiving government praise for its educational improvements.
Bower Park Academy, in Havering Road, has been singled out after recording its best ever results last year.
From February 1, it has operated as an academy, which gives it more freedom in the way it organises its finances and curriculum.
Last year, 86 per cent of students gained five or more A* to C grades, while 55 per cent of the cohort achieved these grades in English and maths.
The percentage of students gaining 5 or more A* to C grades including English and maths increased by 15 per cent from the year before and is 50 per cent higher than it was in 2010.
Head teacher Mary Morrison said: "I have received not one, but two letters from the Department for Education.
"The letter from [education minister] David Laws was unexpected but shows the journey the school has been on.
"Whilst congratulating me on my leadership, I am very aware of the contribution of all staff, students, parents and governors.
"The second letter was from the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State, confirming our conversion to academy status with effect from Friday, February 1."
Richard Shaw, chairman of governors, said: "The choice to become an academy was an important one for the school and the academy will now have the opportunity to use the freedoms and flexibility of academy status to share best practice and work with others to bring about sustained improvements to all schools in the area."
The new academy status at Bower Park was marked with a series of celebration assemblies for high-achieving students, among them Yasmin Williamson, who received an award from the Jack Petchey Foundation.
As yet she is undecided as to which area of the school she will donate her cash prize to.
Yasmin was nominated for the award by several members of staff for her supportive attitude towards other pupils.
