The spot light landed on South Walney Junior School on sports day in 1991

The school was featured as part of the series This England.

PLAY: South Walney School’s production of ‘Hosanna Rock’ at St Mary’s Church, Walney, in 1994

South Walney had reverted to traditional contests for sports day after pressure from parents following several years of no-competitive sports.

“Competition is part of the culture and winning is important for these people,” said headteacher John Heap.

“Sport is a big issue here - they compete, take it seriously and it comes second only to their work.”

Pupils and teachers at South Walney Junior School were celebrating a glowing report in 2008.

HISTORY: Children were taught to look at primary and secondary sources when writing at a writing workshop at South Walney Junior School in 1993. The subject chosen by local historian Alice Leach was World War Two. Afterwards, the children wrote about a

The school had been judged to be good with outstanding elements by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors praised the Amphitrite Street school where ‘pupils enjoy their learning immensely’.

Ofsted said: “Excellent relationships exist between everyone in the school and the calm and secure environment promotes good learning.”

The report also highlighted that pupils achieved well in their academic and their personal development.

Headteacher Chris Cunningham said: “Obviously, we are all delighted with the fair and accurate judgements made by our inspection team who, in a very brief time, were able to see what really goes on in our school. We can now move on and enjoy the remainder of the summer term.”

Since the last inspection in 2004 Ofsted said the school had ‘improved significantly’.

CLASS: George Hartshorn and Margaret Combe from Cumbrian Co-Op’s Southern divisional committee with South Walney Junior School’s rugby team in an undated photograph from The Mail’s archives

Inspectors said the previous year's standards were 'significantly above average in English, Maths and Science and pupils with learning difficulties achieved very well'.

Pupils were complimented for their enthusiasm and positive attitudes.

Inspectors also said they were 'friendly and polite' and 'mature and confident'.

Ofsted said the pupils felt safe and the school was preparing them well for secondary school.

Computers were being used well to complement learning.

Ofsted was impressed by the good range of activities and experiences.

There were many activities outside lessons that enriched the curriculum, such as trips and a variety of clubs.