A PRIMARY school has been named one of the most improved in the country.

Staff at St Charles’, in Knowles Street, Rishton, were yesterday celebrating after their ‘excellent’ exams results were praised by a senior politician.

Minister of State for Schools David Laws MP sent a congratulatory letter to headteacher Vivien Baker, and said: “I would like to congratulate your staff, governors, and pupils for their hard work and success and thank you for your leadership in continuing the drive towards high standards of education achievement.

“Your results show that you are among the 100 top performing schools based on sustained improvement in attainment at level four or above in reading, writing, and mathematics each year, from 2012 until 2014.”

The school, rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted during its last inspection in 2012, is a voluntary-aided school caring for around 185 students.

Mrs Baker said: “Our school family is special, we are a team and all know that we are children of God and equally important.

“We are proud not just of our academic achievements but we want to help each child to find something they excel at.”

Ninety-six per cent of children in Key Stage Two at St Charles’ — who are preparing to leave for high school — are currently achieving level four in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national average of 81 per cent.

Mrs Baker, who said her children are heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, said: “We feel this success is because relationships at all levels are excellent and this is something that visitors comment on, telling us that they can feel how happy our school is.

“We are still looking for other ways that our children can be prepared for the challenges of the future and will be starting our own school radio soon.”