I WRITE to share in the congratulations extended to Bury's primary schools in the Bury Times December 5). Once again we have seen a solid performance by schools which is well above the national average in key areas of the curriculum, English, mathematics and science.

However, I need to correct some of your reported figures. In fact Bury was ranked 35th out of all LEAs in England which is not a fall of 30 places from last year, and is still a top quartile performance on funding which remains below average.

Performance at the level of individual schools and children remains among the best in the land. Having said this there will be some variation from year to year, especially in a small education authority like Bury.

There is much to celebrate in this year's achievements and I hope that this will be recognised by everyone so that schools will be fully aware of our pride in, and support for, their work.

COUNCILLOR STEVE PERKINS,

executive member

for lifelong learning.

We endorse your well-deserved congratulations to our local schools, councillor, but it is YOU who needs correcting, not us. Bury LEA was, in fact, 41st best-performing local authority, according to the Guardian's published table; that is to say that there were 40 LEAs countrywide with a better score. editor.