HUNTINGDONSHIRE S 14-year-olds are ahead of the national average in the three core school subjects, according to the latest figures. Published last week, the Standard Assessment Test figures show Longsands College in St Neots to be the top state school in

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S 14-year-olds are ahead of the national average in the three core school subjects, according to the latest figures.

Published last week, the Standard Assessment Test figures show Longsands College in St Neots to be the top state school in the district for overall performance.

The Contextual Value Added (CVA) system measures pupils' achievement by taking into account improvement since joining a school and outside factors such as home background.

The number of Longsands pupils achieving level five or above in English, maths and science is at least 10 per cent ahead of the national average in each subject.

However, Sawtry Community College is the place to be for maths students - not just in the district but in the whole of Cambridgeshire.

The college saw 91 per cent of its students achieve the level five grade. This is well ahead of the national average of 76 per cent and makes Sawtry the top maths school in the county.

St Neots Community College and St Peter's School in Huntingdon both saw their figures fall slightly, though both establishments have high number of pupils with special educational needs.

Longsands principal Robert Whatmough said: "The CVA measure shows the progress made by an individual year group since joining the college in year seven.

"This year has been an exceptional one and pupils have responded very well to the concerted focus we made on revision techniques.

"We now have a very high standard to live up to and for future year groups to match the achievement will need an exceptional effort."

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire County Council said: "Cambridgeshire schools have done exceptionally well once more. Yet again, they have exceeded national averages.

"These results reflect our determination to further improve achievement in Cambridgeshire schools. Congratulations to all pupils, their teachers and parents.