PUPILS at Nova Hreod have been wished good luck in their upcoming exams by the local MP who visited the school on Friday.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has also praised the staff for the work they have done in boosting results in recent years.

It is just two years since Darren Barton became the principal of the school, along with Ben Parnell as executive principal, and in that time the rate of pupils getting five or more A* to C grades in their GCSEs has doubled.

During his visit, the Minister for Disabled People said the hard work and the installation of high standards was the key reason for this success.

“I am very excited to be here,” said Mr Tomlinson.

“This is a great example of a local school which has had a fantastic transformation. The results speak for themselves and it is staggering how quickly this has happened.

“I last visited when Mr Barton first arrived, full of enthusiasm, and this can be seen when you look around.

“They invest greatly in their staff and there are clear rules.

“When I was greeted by Lacey and Tom it was clear the pride they take in their school.”

Praise for Nova Hreod has come from many quarters in recent months, including the National Schools Commissioner Sir David Carter.

He said: “Nova Hreod is quickly becoming a school whose success others will want to emulate and be inspired by.”

School leaders from across the country have also visited the Moredon school, which is an academy, to find out the secret to success.

Darren Barton says there are a number of factors, including the hard work of his colleagues.

He said: “I think there are three reasons for the success. It is down to the dedication of our staffing team, the hard work of the pupils and the support from the community.

“These have all come together in a very short space of time and led to the success.

“Since the results in 2015 came we have had representatives from over 30 schools come here to find out what it is we are doing, some from as far away as Liverpool.

“It is nice to be getting that recognition on a national level.”