PRESTIGIOUS society magazine Tatler has named Delamere Academy as one of the country’s top 10 non-fee paying primary schools.

The school, which almost almost closed in 2007, has been named Tatler’s respected annual guide.

The publication, which describes headteacher Steve Docking as a ‘wonder head’, commends it for consistently being in the top one per cent of schools nationally.

Mr Docking said: “It’s a huge honour to be ranked so highly in such a prestigious publication.

“It’s an accolade none of us take for granted, and it reflects the hard work of all our staff, children and parents.

“It’s great to see our team effort being recognised.”

Tatler launched its ‘best education money can’t buy’ guide to state education in 2014.

Its new report, part of the February edition, highlighted the wealth of sports and activities on offer at Delamere, which include a kaleidoscope of clubs teaching everything from entrepreneurship to yoga.

Delamere is the only English school north of Birmingham to be included in 2018.

Ten years ago Delamere had 42 pupils and was listed for closure, but now it is four-times over subscribed.

A key factor in its remarkable transformation was becoming an academy in 2011.

Mr Docking then created North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which also runs Oak View Academy in Winsford, St Martin’s in Chester and Ellesmere Primary in Shropshire.

He said: “It has not been an easy road and there were times when I thought I had taken on more than I could handle.

“But with a lot of hard work and good will from friends of the school we are now in a position to compete with the best in the country.

“Many of the state schools in the Tatler guide fall within some of the country’s richest catchment areas, so for a rural school like us to be chosen really shows how far we have come.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has had a part in making our school a very special place for children to learn and flourish.”