PRIMARY schools in the borough are the 11th best in the country, according to national league tables.

Figures released last Thursday also placed the borough second in Greater Manchester.

Children in the borough are best in the country at maths, with 82 per cent of pupils meeting standards set for their age group.

That compares with a figure of 74 per cent nationally.

The results are based on how well 11-year-old fared in this summer's Standard Attainment Tests (SATs).

In English the figure was 82 per cent, compared with 78 nationally, and in science it was 88 per cent compared with 86.

Best primary in Radcliffe was St Mary's CE Primary, Belgrave Street, which came 26th equal in the borough with a score of 266.

Headteacher Paul Heaton said the school prided itself on "excellent work" in all subjects and the enjoyment shown by the pupils.

He said: "There has been a lot of effort put in at St. Mary's this year and I am so grateful for the additional care put in by all the staff."

However, he added that tables failed to reflect much of what was important in schools.

Mr Heaton said: "The tables are a very small measure of what goes on and the sooner they are put into perspective or scrapped the better for the development of broader education."

Councillor Maggie Gibb, Bury Council's executive member lifelong learning, said: "I would like to congratulate schools on their outstanding performance in the 2004 tests, which has contributed to a marked improvement across the local education authority."

Harold Williams, Bury Council's director of education and culture said: "Everyone concerned with the achievement of these outstanding results deserves to be congratulated. I am sure that individual children, schools, teachers and parents will be delighted."