SCHOOLS in Bolton are celebrating today after primary school league tables show they are leaving the rest of the country behind.

Results in the key stage two SATS exams were up more than the national average.

The tables detail how each school performed in the key stage two national curriculum tests taken in the summer by year six children. Bolton’s overall pass rate was 89 per cent in English, which is up on last year’s 86 per cent.

In maths, this figure stood at 87 per cent, up by two percentage points.

Nationally, the pass rate in English went up from 85 per cent last year to 87 per cent, and in maths rose from 84 per cent to 85 per cent.

Schools in Bolton also performed well in a new measure — reading, writing and maths — with 79 per cent of children achieving the grade, compared to just 75 per cent nationally.

Cllr Kevin McKeon, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “The results are fantastic and they are due to the hard work of teachers and the children who are supported by the parents.

“It is a tribute to the family of schools in Bolton that this has been achieved.

“I would like to thank the school improvement service for helping schools to achieve these results and I am particularly delighted with how the schools compare so well to the national picture.”

At Lostock Primary School, not only did every year six child achieve a level four or above in English and maths, it was the only school in the borough where 100 per cent of children achieved the grade in reading, writing and maths.

Headteacher Gill Smith said the results were a reflection of the children’s love of learning.

She added: “We are thrilled with the results and for the children because they reflect their hard work, commitment to learning and enthusiasm.

“Well done everyone. You fully deserve all of your successes.”