A Slough school has emerged triumphant in a national handwriting competition.

Three pupils at St Bernard’s Preparatory School in Hawtrey Close emerged as winners, after carefully transcribing their favourite poems in their best handwriting.

They were judged by Amanda McLeod, author of the Handwriting Teachers Book which is used by schools as part of the National Curriculum.

Avery Sreemany, now 10, won first prize nationally in the year 5 class of the competition. Adoh Koyenum, nine, came second in that class, while Seb Abraham, eight, came second in the year 4 class.

Watching proudly as they received their prizes of Lamy Fountain pens were the school’s handwriting co-ordinator Winnie Hill-Cottingham who has been at the school since 1990.

She said: “Handwriting is a key skill that you have for life and which sets you apart from others.”

Mrs McLeod said: “It is when a child comes to do exams that the importance of handwriting becomes clear. It can make all the difference when a person applies for a job or university. We live in a dual society where computer skills are vital but you need both skills.”

Also present at the presentations on Monday was Paul Jackson, director of education for the charity SATIPS (Support and Training for Prep, Primary and Senior Schools) which organised the competition and Simon Jones from the company Nexus that donated the pens.

Headteacher Nathan Cheesman proudly accepted a shield for the school. He said: “This is the first time the cup has been awarded and it puts us right at the top.”