GOVERNMENT inspectors have announced standards in reading, mathematics and science at St Peter's CE Primary School, Newton-le-Willows "are among the top five per cent of schools in the country."

The team from OFSTED also highlighted the "excellent leadership and management throughout the school"; while nearly half of all lessons inspected were judged to be excellent or very good and the level of attendance was found to be above the average found in most primary schools.

The school was further described as having "high standards" with the equally high expectations resulting in all pupils, including those with particular talents and abilities, doing well, while children with special needs were found to be well supported with many achieving higher than might be expected given their starting point.

There were found to be "excellent systems in place to monitor and evaluate school performance" and the governors were described as "a united team working hard for excellence." Chair of Governors, the Rev. Graham Keegan, said: "It is very rewarding for all concerned with the school to have received this excellent report and I thank all staff, children and parents for their commitment and their never-ending pursuit of excellence.

"The clear Christian mission is shared, understood and promoted by everyone linked with the school."

The OFSTED team also found that a well-planned curriculum gave pupils every chance to succeed and they in turn responded to the high calibre teaching by working hard in lessons.

Headteacher, Mrs B. Horsfall, said: "We are very proud to be in the top five per cent of schools nationally and are totally committed to continuous improvement."

And Councillor Andy Bowden, Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, added: "This is a tremendous achievement by the school and we congratulate all involved in this success."