WELL done to the three East Lancashire primary schools who have been named in the top 100 in the country.

Barrow Primary School came an amazing sixth for the efforts of its year six children in their Key Stage 2 SATs.

Ribchester St Wilfrid’s CofE VA Primary School was placed 43rd, and Gisburn Primary School was 69th.

In fact 100 per cent of the pupils at each school gained at least a Level 4 in reading, writing and maths.

Much has been said about whether SATs are the best way to keep tabs on the progress of children.

For some the tests are seen as wrong because of the stress they can put on youngsters and staff.

But others say they ensure that poor schools cannot hide if they are failing their pupils.

Whatever their rights or wrongs each of our three schools has something in common.

While they are rightly pleased to have been recognised for their performance, they say their real focus is on educating the whole child, not just making sure they pass exams.

This should always be the bottom line when it comes to teaching all our children. After all we all want to see youngsters leave school as well rounded individuals.