PRIMARY schools have recorded some of their best-ever results in league tables published today.

The number of 11-year-olds reaching the government’s required standard has risen in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.

To see how schools compare across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, click here and put your area in the location box. Then scroll down the page and click Primary Schools and compare results.

Last year four Bournemouth schools fell below the floor standard set by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

But all are now above the standard, which requires at least 60 per cent of children to reach level 4 in both English and maths in year 6 SATs tests.

Only Manorside in Poole fell below the target with 55 per cent of children making the grade, putting it in the bottom 200 nationally.

Mudeford Junior School in Christchurch was one of only two schools in Dorset to make it into the top 200 nationally.

Head Mark Partridge said: “It’s a reflection of the hard work the children put in every day. They will be astounded when we share the results with them.

“We have a very broad curriculum here, and we are very, very keen to keep at the cutting edge.

“The curriculum is engaging, and the children respond with so much self-motivation. They understand that what they’re learning will shape their future, and they work their socks off.”

The school is in the process of employing two former students, with one returning as an apprentice, and the second as a teaching assistant.

Pokesdown Community Primary School topped the league table for Bournemouth the second year in a row, to head Vivienne Arkell’s delight.

She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. We have spent such a lot of time on our curriculum to make it inspirational for the children. It’s wonderful to see how it has paid off.

“The key values are thinking and independence, but we also back the values of creativity, emotional intelligence, spirituality and independence.

“They are life-long learning skills that will serve the children for the rest of their lives.”

The head said the pupil’s parents were instrumental to their child’s success.

Top of the table in Poole was St Mary’s Catholic Combined School.

Headteacher Maurice O’Brien said he was delighted with the news, but spoke out in defence of schools nearer the bottom, describing league tables as ‘a bit harsh’.

“I am delighted for our strong team here as this is a reflection of all their hard work, and that of our pupils as well.

“We also get great support from parents, the kids here are motivated and respond well to the quality teaching they get.

“We were somewhere at the top of the table last year so I am proud we are there again, although it is not something we set out to achieve.”

Poole Councillor Janet Walton said: “Manorside Combined School presents an improving picture. It is a small school where the headteacher and staff are working hard to ensure that all pupils are able to make good progress with their learning.”

Primary school league tables: ‘Significant improvement’ in Bournemouth

Primary school league tables: 'Pleased with progress in Poole'