A PADIHAM school has been praised by an education minister after becoming the most improved primary in Lancashire.

St Leonard's Primary School was also 35th in the top 50 most improved schools in the country following the results of this year's National Curriculum Tests for 11-year-olds.

The figures chart the improvements schools have made in English, maths and science tests over the last three years.

In a letter to headteacher Julie Bradley, David Miliband MP, the Government Minister for School Standards, said: "Congratulations on the success of your pupils in the 2003 national tests.

"Please pass on my thanks to your staff, governors, and pupils, and my appreciation to you for all the effort you have put into achieving such good results.

"I am sure that this year's results are a reflection of the priority you have placed on raising standards and I hope we can all build on your success in the year ahead."

Mrs Bradley said she was delighted at the results and the recognition of the school's work by the minister. She said: "It is fantastic to be recognised in this way because everyone has worked hard to help raise standards in the school.

"Last year we were second most improved school in Lancashire and this year we are the most improved school, so we are getting better each year."

Mrs Bradley puts the school's success over the last three years down to a number of factors.

She said: "We have had some really terrific new teachers over the last three years, the teaching standard is very high - everyone puts in 100 per cent.

"It is also to do with the partnerships we have with parents and governors - it is a really great place to be."

St Leonard's attracted the attention of another government minister earlier this year.

Sports minister Richard Caborn visited the school to find out more about its pioneering sports programme, which is being held up as a role model for physical education in schools.