PUPILS and staff at a York primary school were today celebrating their "wonderful" results in new Government league tables.

The statistics released today placed the English Martyrs 40th on a list of the top 200 primary schools in the entire country, based on its Key Stage Two exam scores.

The school is ranked first in the City of York Council area, compared with seventh last year.

Other local high-fliers include North Duffield Primary, near Selby, which came in at 130, Knavesmire Primary, in York, ranked 161, and St Benedict's RC Primary, at Ampleforth, at 165.

At all five schools, all the pupils who sat their exams in English, maths and science in May achieved a level four - the expected level for Year Six students in each subject.

Another school celebrating was Monk Fryston CE, near Selby, which was ranked top in North Yorkshire.

In September, the Evening Press reported how a shortage of head teachers left two York primary schools sharing the same boss.

From the start of the autumn term, English Martyrs and Our Lady's Roman Catholic primary schools, in Acomb, had the same head teacher - Eileen Fitzpatrick.

In a deal reached by governors at the two Acomb schools after consultation with parents, both agreed to appoint Mrs Fitzpatrick as their head teacher, after months spent fruitlessly searching for a new head.

The two schools have a combined total of 400 pupils - with 210 on the roll at English Martyrs and 190 at Our Lady's.

Mrs Fitzpatrick said: "These results are wonderful for English Martyrs and this reflects a consistency in students at the school and it's a testament to the incredibly concentrated hard work of the teachers, the massive support we get as a school from the families who are very committed and the children who did all the hard work."

Mrs Fitzpatrick, 52, started as acting head teacher at Our Lady's, in Windsor Garth, in January this year after the former head, Tracey Ralph, left.

At English Martyrs, the head teacher, Hugh McMillan, announced his intention to retire at the end of the summer term.

Carol Western, head teacher at the 223-pupil Knavesmire Primary, said: "We are delighted with these results. The Year Six children who sat them and have now gone on to secondary school have every right to be very proud of their achievements, as we are."

Impressive scores across the county

PUPILS at schools across York, North and East Yorkshire scored impressive results in the latest Key Stage Two test results.

The tests for ten and 11-year-olds in maths, english and science taken in May this year are seen as a clear indicator of how well a primary or junior school and its pupils are performing.

The results published today by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), show that North Yorkshire County Council Local Education Authority (LEA) attained an aggregate score of 251, the joint 22nd highest score among the 150 LEAs.

East Riding Council was close behind with 250, the joint 25th highest score, and City of York scored 247, the joint 36th highest score.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council, said: "Schools in North Yorkshire have achieved very good results in the Key Stage 2 tests for seven to 11-year-olds. Results in English have improved by two per cent to 85 per cent and in maths by one per cent to 79 per cent.

"In science, the very high levels (89 per cent) have been maintained for a second year. Overall North Yorkshire has the best results in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, and is in the top ten per cent of local authorities in the country."

Coun John Watson, executive member for schools, said: "I'm delighted at the continued excellent performance of schools across North Yorkshire. These tables continue to show what a high-performing Local Education Authority like ours is able to achieve".

Councillor Carol Runciman, City of York Council's executive member for education and children's services, said: "It is pleasing to know that York schools are maintaining their high position in the primary schools league tables.

"There are good results right through the age groups, and in the 'value added' scores. Continued hard work by staff and students has delivered these excellent results, and everyone involved deserves our thanks and congratulations."

Updated: 10:23 Friday, December 02, 2005