SEVEN primary schools in Oxfordshire achieved top marks in English, maths and science in national tests for 11-year-olds.

More than 6,000 Year Six pupils in the county sat last summer’s Key Stage Two National Curriculum tests.

As in 2007, pupils marginally beat the national average in English and matched the national average in maths and science at level four – the standard the Government expects pupils to reach prior to leaving primary school.

At level five – the most challenging – pupils’ results narrowly topped the national average in all three subjects.

At seven primary schools – Combe, near Witney, Ewelme, near Wallingford, Nettlebed, near Henley, Woodstock, Appleton, near Abingdon, and Cropredy and Shenington, near Banbury – every pupil sitting the exams achieved level four in English, maths and science.

Shenington headteacher Sarah Reynolds said a broad curriculum and small classes were behind her school’s success.

She added: “We are over the moon – the results reflect the hard work of staff, parents, pupils and governors.”

Woodstock headteacher Lisa Slater added: “We are delighted with our results.

“I don’t like to single anyone out, but Michelle Silkstone, our Year Six teacher, deserves particular credit. Our pupils, too, have risen to the challenge.”

Many larger primary schools also scored impressively.

Ten schools which entered 50 or more pupils achieved an aggregate percentage across English, maths and science percentage of at least 270.

They were Barley Hill, in Thame, The Batt, in Witney, Bishop Loveday, in Bodicote, The Blake, in Witney, Dunmore, Rush Common and St Nicolas, in Abingdon, Eynsham Community, King’s Meadow, in Bicester, and Ladygrove Park, in Didcot.

Rush Common Primary School, which entered 60 pupils, scored 98 per cent in English, 100 per cent in maths and 100 per cent in science at level four – a 298 aggregate.

Headteacher Maxine Evans said she aimed to create a supportive but challenging environment for pupils.

She said: “Our expectations are very high and we employ the very best teachers. It’s a solid achievement – we are delighted.”

Countywide, pupils’ average aggregate score for the three core subjects matched the national figure of 248.

Michael Waine, the county council’s cabinet member for schools improvement, said: “The results reflect a lot of hard work on behalf of pupils and teaching staff.

“I have observed some outstanding teaching and learning in our primary schools and am constantly impressed by the hard work and commitment of pupils and teaching staff.

“It’s great to see the individual successes and that overall our primary schools are performing above the national picture, particularly at the highest level.

“However, with Oxfordshire’s social background and academic heritage, we feel the county should aim even higher, and we have a firm commitment to do better and to raise standards even further.”

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk