Christmas has come early for some Oxfordshire primary schools as league tables out todayshow them scoring top marks in national tests.

The county's pass rate in the Key Stage 2 tests, which are taken by all 11-year-olds, has improved again and pupils are performing better than the national average in English and science.

The Government expects pupils to achieve level four in the tests, but this year sees the number of Oxfordshire pupils reaching level five also exceed the national average.

Among the best performers in the county - and in the top two per cent nationally for high pass rates in English, maths and science - are St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Kidlington, Watchfield Primary, The Hendreds, near Wantage, and Trinity in Henley.

Michael Waine, Oxfordshire county council's cabinet member for school improvement, said: "These results reflect the hard work and commitment of pupils and teaching staff in our schools.

"There are some great individual successes and it is good to see that, overall, Oxfordshire primary schools are performing above the national picture at the top level.

"All schools should be congratulated on their continuing efforts to raise standards. We have a good base on which to build further."

St Joseph's RC School in Banbury was singled out for special praise after breaking into the top 10 of most improved schools nationwide.

The school's sustained improvement between 2003 and 2006 puts it ninth in the national list.

In the past, the school has been on special measures, but is now the second highest performing primary school in Banbury.

Headteacher Maria Lewicki said: "We are absolutely delighted. It is wonderful news for us. About five years ago we were in the bottom 25 per cent of schools nationally. Over the past four years we have improved and are now in the top 25 nationally.

"I am delighted with the progress we have made. We track children's progress on a daily and weekly basis and concentrate on making learning enjoyable. If they enjoy lessons they obviously tend to learn and make progress."

Also making significant improvements are St Michael's in Oxford, Ladygrove Park in Didcot, Cutteslowe, in Oxford, and Orchard Fields, in Banbury.

There are seven Oxfordshire schools listed in the bottom five per cent nationally. They are: New Hinksey CofE, Oxford; Windale Community, Oxford; John Henry Newman CofE, Oxford; Greatworth, Banbury; Rose Hill, Oxford; Queensway, Banbury; and William Morris, Banbury.