PRIMARY schools in and around Haslemere have mostly surpassed the national average in the key stage two tests with many pupils achieving beyond the levels expected of their age.
The test assesses the progress of pupils aged 11 in the core skills of maths, science and English and further assesses how they perform at the level five threshold, the standard expected of 14 year olds.
St Mary's Primary, Chiddingfold, achieved the highest results locally with 100 per cent of pupils achieving level four and above in maths and English, up on the national average of 75 per cent and 73 per cent respectively. At level five, 81 per cent of pupils passed maths, 78 per cent in science and 67 per cent in English.
Headteacher Paul Bull said: "We were naturally delighted with these results and although they give an indication of the quality provision available at St Mary's, they of course don't tell the whole story.
"The school community - staff, parents and pupils - have worked very hard over many years to contribute to these superb figures. However, the real achievement for all our children is for them to leave St Mary's happy and fulfilled and keen to experience the next stage in their learning - that's the real success story."
St Bart's Primary School also performed well, achieving 90 per cent in both English and science and 83 per cent in maths. At level five, pupils achieved 39 per cent in English, 32 per cent in maths and 49 per cent in science.
Headteacher Christine McCracken said."We usually do very well in science so it was excellent to achieve 90 per cent. Even though the maths result was lower, it's still 83 per cent which is a good result. I think most schools struggle with maths."
But the tests have come under fire recently, facing accusations of being too easy and failing to stretch more able pupils. There is further concern that schools which fail to achieve high results at level five will be regarded as failures and the national teachers' union has threatened to boycott them.
Mrs McCracken added: "I don't think the concern is over the tests themselves, but the publication of the results, which can be misleading. Often they don't carry the full story, particularly if they don't have the value-added information.
"A school may be listed quite low down in the league tables but may have made considerable improvements with individuals. The value-added result measures the progress made by the pupils aged seven to 11, which is very important to consider."
Pupils at Shottermill Junior School achieved 97 per cent in science, 90 per cent in maths and 88 per cent in English. At level five, the results were 78 per cent in science, 47 per cent in maths and 33 per cent in English.
Faring less well, however, was Beacon Hill County Primary where pupils scored under the national average in level four maths with 65 per cent.
In English, pupils achieved 77 per cent and 87 per cent in science. At level five, the results were 29 per cent in English, 16 per cent in maths and 29 per cent in science.
Surrey came ninth in the local authority performance chart with 81 per cent in English, 77.9 per cent in maths, 91.5 per cent in science, a slight increase on the previous year.