SIX primary schools in East Lancashire have been congratulated because they are among the top 100 most improved in the country.

Laneshaw Bridge Primary, Stubbins Primary School, Chatburn Church of England Primary School, Green Haworth CofE Primary School, Accrington, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Haslingden, and Worsthorne County Primary School, all received a letter from the Rt Hon David Laws, Minister of State for School, praising them for their progress.

Each of the schools were among the top 100 schools demonstrating the most sustained improvement in each year between 2009 and 2012.

They also gained 100per cent in three key performance measures, achieving Level 4 plus in both English and maths; achieving at least expected progress in English; and achieving at least expected progress in maths.

Donna McNicholl, head at St Mary’s Primary School, in Haslingden, said: “We were thrilled to receive the letter from the minister. It officially recognised the excellent performance of our pupils and staff.

“It’s lovely to be recognised for all our hard work.”

In his letter to Worsthorne Primary School, Mr Laws said: “Mastery of English and mathematics is critical to success at secondary school and beyond, so these pupils have now given themselves a really good start for the next stage of their education.”

Headteacher Louise Young was delighted with the recognition.

She said: “We were thrilled to receive the letter from the Minister of State for Schools as it officially recognised the excellent performance of our pupils. He congratulated us on our on-going improvements over the past three years and commended our drive for high standards.

“Our vision at Worsthorne Primary is to be the very best that we can be.

“Everyone associated with the school, staff, governors and, of course, the children, and their parents too, is totally committed to achieving that aim.”