PUPILS at Greatham Primary School are celebrating this week after being ranked 23rd out of 280 schools across the county in new league tables.

But hovering at the other end of the table is HeadleyÕs Holme Primary School, which performed well below the LEA average.

The performance tables published last week show the results of the key stage two tests taken by 11 year olds in primary and junior schools.

In Greatham 93 per cent of pupils tested were at or above the expected level four for English.

And in maths and science the news was even better with 97 per cent of pupils making the grade, giving the school and aggregate of 287 from a possible 300.

In Headley only 38 per cent of pupils tested achieved the expected level or above in English, 33 per cent in maths and 50 per cent in science, giving the school an aggregate of just 121 Ð half the LEA average.

But headteacher Jenny Butterworth said: ÒParents who look around the school like what they see. ThereÕs more to primary education than a test at the end of year six.Ó

She agreed the tests were a good thing in principle but added: ÒI would be

much happier without them. TheyÕre very restrictive because thereÕs such a drive to teach to the tests and we try to avoid that.Ó

Other village schools in the Bordon area fared well with St Matthews Primary School, in Blackmoor, ranking 76th.

Ninety-six per cent of pupils made the grade in English, 74 per cent in maths and every pupil tested achieved level four or above in science, giving the school an aggregate of 270.

Liphook Junior School was ranked 105th, with an aggregate of 262. The school achieved a score of 87 per cent in English, 81 per cent in maths and 95 per cent in science.

Grayshott came 117th, with an aggregate of 258. The school achieved a score of 87 per cent in English, 81 per cent in maths and 90 per cent in science.

The townÕs own schools were lower placed.

Woodlea Primary School was ranked 157th, with an aggregate of 248. The school achieved a score of 90 per cent in English, 72 per cent in maths and 86 per cent in science.

Weyford Junior School came 204th, with an aggregate of 226. The school achieved a score of 67 per cent in English, 68 per cent in maths and 91 per cent in science.

Bordon Junior School was ranked 260th, with an aggregate of 193. The school achieved a score of 59 per cent in English, 59 per cent in maths and 76 per cent in science.

Hampshire, as a whole performed well, ranking 35th with an average score of 242.1 points in a performance table comparing 151 LEAs (Local Education Authorities) in England.

Hampshire County CouncilÕs executive member for education, Don Allen, was pleased with this yearÕs results.

ÒHampshireÕs Key Stage Two results show continued high standards, with results above the national average,Ó he said.

ÒWe are not complacent, however, and we regard this yearÕs results as a god foundation for further improvement in future years.

ÒThe performance booklet is a valuable tool for parents, giving information on test results and other aspects of our primary schools, however, it is worth remembering that they do not show the whole picture.

ÒThe data does not highlight individual progress made in other areas of the curriculum such as sport and music. PupilsÕ behaviour and their attitudes to learning are also not reflected through the figures.Ó