A PRIMARY school in Bolton is one of a handful of schools nationwide found to be under-performing.

St John's CE School, Kearsley is one of 364 primaries in the country which failed to meet minimum Government standards.

It was one of 40 in the North West to fall below the primary school floor standard.

Schools are considered to be under-performing if fewer than 65 per cent of pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, or if they fail to make sufficient progress in the three key areas.

The figures were released as part of the department for education's publication of the annual primary school performance tables.

The school is ranked in the bottom five of Bolton's schools based on its results in the Key Stage Two exams.

Only 37 per cent of children left school reaching the expected standard in the 3Rs. Children made average progress in reading and writing but well below average progress in maths.

But despite the disappointing figures, Ofsted, which in 2013 rated the school good, found: "In every classroom, pupils are engaged in their learning. Pupils say that they love

lessons, stating that they are ‘enjoyable but educational at the same time’. They feel that they know how well they are doing in mathematics, English, religious education and science, but are less sure of their progress in topic-based lessons.

"They are clear on expectations about behaviour and speak highly of the strategy used consistently throughout the school, which encourages pupils to become independent and resilient learner."

Overall in Bolton 66 per cent of children left primary school reaching the expected level in reading, writing and maths, which was above the national average of 64 per cent.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "

“These results are disappointing, but we are working closely with the school to improve standards.

“A plan is already in place and we are focused on addressing any concerns.”