HUNTINGDONSHIRE S primary schools have seen improvement in their test results at key stage two, mirroring the national trend. Results for the district s 11-year-olds were published last week, and the majority of the area s schools are ahead of the nationa

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S primary schools have seen improvement in their test results at key stage two, mirroring the national trend.

Results for the district's 11-year-olds were published last week, and the majority of the area's schools are ahead of the national average.

The results measure whether children are reaching required standards at national curriculum level four in the three main subjects - maths, English and science. Nationally, the average figures were 80 per cent in English, 77 per cent in maths and 88 per cent in science.

The hardworking children at Abbots Ripton CofE helped the school record a 100 per cent record in each subject - the best possible achievement.

The schools are also ranked using a "contextual value added" system where a range of factors look at how the pupils have improved.

Brington CofE Primary School and Huntingdon Junior School were the top ranked schools in Huntingdonshire using the CVA figures.

Brington headteacher Peter Allen told The Hunts Post: "We are delighted with the results that reflect the hard work of children and staff, though recognise that SATs are only one indicator of success."

Huntingdon Junior School head, Hilary Williams, added: "We are exceptionally pleased and would like to thank all parents for their commitment and support."

Newton Primary School was the top school in St Neots ranked by the CVA, with 95 per cent of students achieving level four or above in English and mathematics and 100 per cent of pupils achieving the mark in science.

Headteacher Rhys Thrower said: "We are very pleased with the results - any record of progression is good.

"It is important not to place too much pressure on the children when they undertake the exams, though regular assessment is also important."

A spokesman for the Cambridgeshire County Council said: "We are delighted that Cambridgeshire's 11-year-olds have exceeded expectations and put the county well above the national average.

"We are proud of them all and these results demonstrate that as a county the drive to raise standards across our schools is working. Congratulations to all the teachers and pupils."

Contextual Value Added system

The CVA system compares children with national counterparts who come from similar backgrounds. The aim is to determine how well pupils have progressed since joining their school. The factors considered when measuring achievement by pupils at a particular school are:

* Gender

* Special educational needs?

* Ethnicity

* Free school meals?

* First Language

* Mobility

* Age

* Child in care?

* A postcode-based poverty measure