A HYNDBURN school was celebrating this week after it was named as one of the 100 most improved primary schools in the country, according to Government league tables published this week.

Pupils at St Andrew's in Oswaldtwistle achieved an aggregate score of 270 out of a possible 300 this year - compared to just 238 last year and 200 in 2003.

The score is for the number of pupils achieving Level 4 or above in tests for English, maths and science.

This was hailed as a huge achievement and headteacher Tina Wilkinson said: "We are very proud of the pupils and this result reflects their hard work and that of the staff.

"Over the last few years the staff have really pulled out all the stops but this has not been properly reflected until now."

But she also pointed out that the tables did not always show the full picture of children's success.

She said: "The most important thing is that children are happy because if they are they will get good results. Parents measure schools by the tables but they can be misleading."

West End School on Aspen Lane, Oswaldtwistle, was also celebrating after jumping from second place last year to top the primary school league table this year with an aggregate score of 288.

Headteacher Janet Aspinall said: "We are obviously very pleased about this as it is a reflection on how well the pupils, parents and children have all done.

"However, I think it is important we remember it is not the only measure of a school.

"Teachers in Hyndburn do a fantastic job and children are very well-served by the schools here.

"It is a shame there is only a league table for the results and not one which reflects that.

"No matter where a school comes in the table, everyone there will be working very hard."

Bottom of the table this year was Spring Hill Primary School, Accrington, with an aggregate score of 185.

Chairman of governors Tom Haworth said: "All schools have a percentage of children for whom attainment of Level 4 at age 11 is difficult. Our school teaches a larger percentage of children with these difficulties than most.

"Fortunately, the children at Spring Hill, while facing many barriers in their learning, do enjoy excellent facilities, matched by the dedicated staff providing a first-class learning environment which aims to address all aspects of a child's development."

Spring Hill takes over from Sacred Heart, Church, which this year rose five places from the bottom with a score of 181 compared to 109 last year.