An Ipswich primary school has become the first in Suffolk to win a major national award for helping disadvantaged pupils.

Springfield Junior School received the National Pupil Premium Award, launched in 2012, at the House of Commons for the strong results disadvantaged pupils consistently achieve, as well as the “broad range of enrichment experiences” and quality pastoral care it offers.

Last year at key stage 2, 89% of pupil premium learners achieved the national standard in reading, writing and maths – 29% above the national average for non-pupil premium learners.

The pupil premium is extra funding schools receive to help disadvantaged children catch up with their peers.

Daniel Jones, assistant headteacher at the school in Kitchener Road, is responsible for the school’s pupil premium strategy and is an accredited pupil premium reviewer at the National College of Teaching and Leadership.

He said: ‘We are extremely proud that the work we do has been validated by receiving this national award. We have high expectations and strive to ensure that every pupil at Springfield achieves very well, yet also experiences a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities, within a supportive environment.”

The school’s disadvantaged learners have access to over 20 learning based interventions, and more than 10 arts-based clubs.

Each month, pupils take part in a mixed-aged ‘apprenticeships’ afternoon, led by experts and instructors from a range of disciplines and focused on different countries and cultures.

The school has won a range of experiences for winning the national award, including a visit to the Science Museum, National Space Academy and a performance from the National Youth Dance Company.

The school will also receive resources from Apps for Good, History England, and a teacher workshop from ‘Into Film’.