A COLOURFUL mural has made a world of difference to walls at Acresfield Primary School in Upton.

Free-hand paintings by artist Rory McCann depict a map of the globe and features inspirational figures from children's studies, as well as the magnificent animals which the school's year groups are named after.

Headteacher Mike Dixon says it has got people talking.

He explained: "Our curriculum includes studying people like environmental activist Greta Thunberg and Louis Braille, who invented the reading and writing system for visually impaired people.

"Having people like them on the painting brings it all to life and it is really helping children to connect everything together in a fun, interactive way. 

"They enjoy looking at the parts of the world where people and animals live, and it has become a real conversation piece."

It is an exciting time for the school, which opened a new nursery and joined North West Academies Trust (NWAT) last year.

The Ofsted 'outstanding' primary, near Chester Zoo, is already one of the highest performing in Cheshire West, and was named in the top 75 primaries in England by The Sunday Times, based on SATs results.

Now, Mr Dixon believes the move to join one of the country’s best trusts in NWAT will have huge additional benefits.

Acresfield will have access to shared resources with the trust’s other schools, including Delamere Academy, near Northwich, and St Martin’s Academy, Chester, which are both also rated 'outstanding'.

He said: “It is important that we don’t stop at 'outstanding' – we want to give children the best possible education.

“NWAT offered something appropriate for us in terms of aspirations and their approach to collaborative working and support.

“By sharing ideas and best practice with other schools within the trust we can challenge ourselves to be even better."

Acresfield is rated the second best primary in West Cheshire according to the Real Schools Guide, just pipped to top spot by Delamere.