A PRIMARY school near Bromsgrove is one of the most improved in the county according to figures published by the Government, which saw many of the town's schools better last year's results.

Headteachers welcomed the news of better test results for 11-year-olds in the core subjects of maths, English and science, but called for league tables to take into account more factors, such as the improvement on the intake and wider achievements.

Holywell Primary School, in Rubery, was the second most improved in the county with an aggregate score, combining results in all subjects, that rose from 211 to 253.

Headteacher Frances Millett said: "We are delighted with the results achieved through sheer hard work and determination on the part of our teachers and pupils."

Also earning a higher percentage of passes at level 4, the standard expected of a typical 11-year-old, were Aston Fields Middle School, Catshill Middle School, and Parkside Middle School.

Headteacher of Aston Fields Middle School Barrie Dinsdale said: "We are very pleased indeed with our children's performance. The increased aggregate score from 216 to 240 was particularly pleasing."

But he said that the results did not reflect the hard work of many of the pupils with special educational needs, who often did not take level 4 tests.

Lickey Hills Primary maintained a score of 243, well above the national average, and headteacher Stephen Wallin said he was particularly pleased with the science results, and singled out for particular praise two girls who passed level 4 science despite learning difficulties.

St John's C of E Foundation Middle School headteacher David Macey said that despite a slight fall in the aggregate scores he felt his results represented first class progress for the pupils involved.

Beaconside Primary School, in Rubery, also recorded a fall from 238 to 194.