A tiny school with a big reputation has won national recognition for the difference it makes to children’s lives.
All Saints Marsh CofE Academy, in Newton Abbot, has been awarded Certificate of Achievement status in the 2026 Pearson National Teaching Awards.
The school, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, was recognised in the Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year category.
All Saints Marsh has fewer than 100 pupils on roll and says it aims to ensure every child is known, valued and supported.
The school was recently rated Good in all areas by Ofsted, with praise for its calm and welcoming atmosphere, high expectations and strong relationships between staff and pupils.
Its curriculum begins with pupils’ local context before expanding to national and global learning. Projects have included History Hunters, run with Newton Abbot Museum, where pupils created historical displays exploring the railway and its impact on the town.
The school said 85% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in recent assessments, compared with 57% across the local authority.
All Saints Marsh also focuses on personal development, with children taught from Reception onwards to understand emotions, build healthy relationships and take part in community life.
The school plans to mark the achievement on National Thank a Teacher Day later this year.
The Pearson awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam and celebrate excellence in education.
Liam O’Sullivan, headteacher at All Saints Marsh CofE Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our whole school team at All Saints Marsh.
“Every member of staff works tirelessly to ensure that our pupils are supported, challenged, and inspired every day.
“This recognition is a testament to their dedication and to the strong, caring community we have built here.
“Seeing our children flourish, both academically and personally, is the greatest reward, and I am delighted that their hard work and enthusiasm are being celebrated on a national stage.”
Tracey Cleverly, CEO of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “All Saints Marsh CofE Academy exemplifies the values at the heart of the Learning Academy Partnership.
“This recognition reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, high expectations, and the development of every child.
“We are proud of the leadership, staff, and pupils whose hard work and creativity have made such a positive impact in their community, and it is inspiring to see their achievements celebrated nationally.”
