A Watford school has won a Government award for its work with disadvantaged pupils.

Parmiter’s School was given a £5,000 reward from the Government for putting the Pupil Premium – extra money targeted towards helping pupils from less privileged backgrounds - to effective use.

Parmiter’s, in High Elms Lane, is now able to apply for a prize of up to £250,000 - the winner of which will be announced in March.

Headmaster Nick Daymond said: "In the letter we received from David Laws MP, the reason we were selected is that we are ‘one of the highest achieving schools in the country in terms of the attainment and value-added progress of your disadvantaged pupils since 2011.’ "We are delighted to receive the award which is a tribute to the hard work of staff, students, parents and governors."

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: "It is great to see that Parmiter’s has been putting the Pupil Premium to good use, and I am proud to see that this has been recognised by the government.

"Anyone who knows me knows I am passionate about education. When I was a teacher I specialised in teaching children with special educational needs because I believe that everyone should have a chance for a good education that will set them up for life.