TABLE-topping schools have excelled in the primary league.

The results of this summer's Key Stage 2 National Curriculum assessments showed that high educational standards achieved by 11-year-olds have been maintained, with many schools performing above the national average.

Gilded Hollins in Leigh featured in the nation's top 20 schools in the country, having achieved 100 per cent in all three curriculum areas.

Head-teacher, Stan Higginson said: "We are delighted with the results. The league tables reflect how well teachers and children have worked right the way across the borough."

He is, however, aware that league tables can create the impression that schools are in a race or sports league, which he is adamant is not what education is about.

Meadowbank at Atherton was named as one of the top 20 most improved schools, with an increase of 176 points since 1998.

There head-teacher, Jim Fisher said: "Our success is simply due to a lot of hard work from everyone at the school, all the teachers, support staff an children have worked tremendously hard over the past four years and we are delighted with the outcome.

"Meadowbank has gone from strength to strength thanks to the dedication and commitment of everyone in school."

Mr Fisher has been at Meadowbank since 1997 and has been able to watch the school transform into what staff have commented on as a "completely different school". He believes it is not just the marks that have improved, but the whole ethos of the school.

Leigh Higher Folds J & I, now in new premises at the top of Queensway, has also significantly improved, with an increase of 126 points.

Head-teacher, Lois Ward said: "We are very pleased with the improvements we have made and hope to continue to improve in the future."