Teachers at a faith school are “very proud” to receive a gold standard award that identifies outstanding work.

Finchley’s Akiva School on East End Road, has been awarded with the Gold award for the Religious Education Quality Mark.

This award identifies and recognises “outstanding practice” in teaching children to know and understand their own religion, as well as others.

Susy Stone, head teacher of Akiva School for eight years says all members of staff are proud to receive the award.

Ms Stone said: “We are very proud, particularly as a faith school, as sometimes faith schools are criticised for being inward looking.

“We work with diverse community, and focus on teaching children about their own faiths as well as others.

The schools had to show evidence of the children’s hard work and this project was led by RE subject leader Rachel Segal.

Ms Stone said pupils are “delighted” with this award, and are always excited when the schools is recognised for its achievements.

She said: “It is such a good recognition of the work that is going on in the school and the quality of it.

“We are always looking for more ways that our children have the best possibilities.”