PENDLE primary school pupils are in the top one per cent in the country, the new SATS results have shown.

All the youngsters are among the elite pupils in the country in writing, either being in the top one or two per cent.

Those at Castercliff Primary Academy in Nelson are in the top three per cent for maths and top eight per cent for reading.

Pendle Primary Academy pupils in Brierfield are in the top three per cent for maths and the top 25 per cent for reading.

Head of Pendle Primary Academy, Simon Thompson, said: "I am thrilled at the outcomes achieved this year; they truly are reflective of every member of staff's dedication to raising standards and aspirations for all children, as well as of the commitment of the children themselves to achieving as highly as they can in all aspects of their education."

Mark Sherwin, head at Castercliff Primary Academy, said: "The whole staff and I are so proud of all of our children.

"The fantastic outcomes are a tremendous reflection of the high expectations and self-belief key to every child reaching their potential, in a wonderfully supportive atmosphere, with a team of talented and dedicated teaching staff."