A primary school has been recognised for its commitment to emotional and social wellbeing.

Shirley Warren Primary and Nursery School has become the first in Hampshire to receive the Thrive School of Excellence Award, an achievement given to only 49 schools nationwide out of more than 32,000.

The award, which represents 'gold' status, celebrates the school's focus on supporting the emotional and social development of its pupils.

Headteacher Zoe Newton said: "This is an outstanding accolade and one that we are honoured and proud to have achieved.

Pupils thrive at Shirley Warren, Hampshire's first School of ExcellencePupils thrive at Shirley Warren, Hampshire's first School of Excellence (Image: Shirley Warren Primary and Nursery School) "I firmly believe that a school should be about giving the right provision at the right time to every child—whatever it takes."

The school's Thrive practitioners, Mrs Head and Miss Bedwell, played a key role in the achievement, having already secured five Thrive Ambassador awards for the school.

The Thrive programme supports the social and emotional development of children through targeted interventions and a whole-school approach.

A Thrive assessor praised the school for its dedication, saying: "Your collaborative work within the community and your role as a support model for other schools further underline your exemplary practice.

"Excellent work, you've clearly created a vibrant, relational, and emotionally supportive environment for your entire school community."