MORE pupils in East Lancashire have improved in SATs tests for English and maths, according to the latest primary school rankings.

Key Stage Two results have gone up by two per cent acoss the county, which is higher than the national average.

Seven schools were named in the top 200 in the country for level four in English and maths – the Government’s required standard.

Gisburn Primary, Chatburn CE, Holy Trinity, Brierfield, Ramsbottom Stubbins, St Mary’s Mellor, Laneshawbridge, and St Veronica’s, Helmshore, all achieved 100per cent.

Pam Macro, headteacher at St Veronica’s, said: “We’re absolutely delighted as it is the second year we have achieved 100per cent.

"It reflects the hard work of the children, staff and parents.

“But we celebrate every child’s achievement, no matter what their level of ability.

“It is wonderful, but our school is not just about how well we do in league tables.”

Cherry Fold Community School and Springfield Community Primary School, in Burnley, were ranked in the bottom 200.

Laneshawbridge Primary School, in Colne, and St Mary CE, in Mellor, were named among the top 200 for highest average points score this year.

County Coun Susie Charles, cabinet member for children and schools, said around 40per cent of schools did not undertake the tests.

She said: “The figures relating to children between the age of seven and 11 also continue to show that Lancashire is performing above the national average.”

Coun Maureen Bateson, chief executive of children’s services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We’re pleased to say that the results are very positive.

“We’ve improved in every area, especially in higher level English, which has improved by nine per cent.

“This is due to the hard work of teachers, children and their families.

"I’m very proud of the children in Blackburn and Darwen who continue to make good progress in their learning.”

Full league tables in today's Lancashire Telegraph newspaper.