THREE York schools are celebrating getting their basic skills Quality Mark for the second time.

Derwent School, in Osbaldwick, Heworth School, and Lowfield School, in Acomb, all received awards following maths and English assessments earlier in the summer term.

Carole Torode, head teacher at Derwent, said: "The staff and governors are delighted to receive this award for the second time. It's recognition of the hard work that staff, parents and more importantly the children have put in."

Keith Schooling, head teacher at Heworth, said: "This is the second time we have got the award and we are extremely pleased. We regard it as a very valuable award and as recognition of the hard work that goes on in school by the staff and children."

At Lowfield, Sue Fisher and Yvette Bent were especially proud as they had co-ordinated the school's efforts to obtain the prestigious award.

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, July 14, 2004