PUPILS and staff at a school in Malmesbury are celebrating after achieving recognition from one of the world’s top company’s for their innovative use of technology in delivering education.

California based tech-giant Apple has given Malmesbury Primary School a ‘Distinguished School Award’ for their pioneering use of the firm’s software and hardware in classes.

There are only 400 such schools across the globe and only 20 have been accepted from the UK to receive the honour, which is applied for every two years by about 15,000 hopeful schools.

The award means that staff now have access to additional opportunities to attend training events hosted by Apple where they can engage with experts and collaborate with peers on delivering better education to the children of Malmesbury.

Dan Oakes, deputy head, said: “We are incredibly proud to say that we are now officially recognised for our innovation, leadership and educational excellence.

“We have, for many years, worked hard to ensure that the children have access to a creative, rich and vibrant curriculumwhere technology is woven through and used as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.”

Dan said that winning the award wasn’t about getting free equipment from Apple.

“This accolade ensures we work closely with Apple in order to use this state-of-the art technology to its full potential.

“We are now part of a community of innovative and creative practitioners and have direct access to Apple’s technical support team.

“We are also fortunate to attend special professional development opportunities that are purely tailored for Apple Distinguished Schools and as an Apple Distinguished School we will be the first to access new products, approaches and education resources.

“It’s a privilege to work closely with one of the biggest companies on the planet.”

Along with the award, Dan has been joined by Rachel Bristow as an Apple distinguished educator.

Headteacher Steve Heal said: “This is fabulous news for our school.

“Dan and Rachel are really the people who have driven and championed this project.

“I just want to emphasise how big their role in this has been and thank them very much for their commitment and vision in driving this forward.”