ST Peter’s Primary School in Wrecclesham has been recognised for its “outstanding” learning in religious eduction.

The school has been awarded gold standard for the National RE Quality Mark, which recognises high quality learning in religious education and places a strong focus on higher level thinking and questioning.

It is the first primary school in the Guildford Diocese to achieve the award and has now been approached by the National Association for Teaching of RE to become involved in promoting quality RE learning and liaison with other schools.

Sarah Marshall, St Peter’s RE leader and deputy headteacher, said: “An important element of this award is that the assessor visits the school and talks to the children.

“They were asked about the big questions and challenges they encounter in RE lessons and also responded to questions about Christianity and the other major religions which form an integral part of our curriculum.

“The assessor was particularly impressed by the many opportunities for drama, art and music in RE lessons. The children’s responses were supported by the learning in their books and evidence of RE learning through other media.”

Headteacher Sarah Dunning added: “At St Peter’s we view RE as the subject which leads all the deeper thinking. Children have opportunities to question and challenge. They also learn that adults do not have all the answers.

“Our children’s responses confirmed that RE is a popular subject and the discussions around it are very relevant in today’s world.”

The National RE Quality Mark is open to both primary and secondary schools.