WHEN Burnley teacher Vicki Foy's number came up, chance was not a factor.

The 27-year-old was chosen by Lancashire education chiefs to become a leading maths tutor, purely on merit.

And that means the Casterton primary staff member will play an important part in the new national numeracy strategy - helping to raise standards.

Teachers from throughout the county will converge on the little Burnley school, once seen to have serious weaknesses, to learn excellence in tuition from the maths master. Vicki, who has taught at Casterton since gaining a maths Honours Degree five years ago, caught the eye of the chief Ofsted inspector during a recent visit.

He thought the children were brilliant - but closer examination showed it was mainly down to Vicki's teaching methods, bringing the very best from them.

She was nominated for the national numeracy strategy role by the school and immediately accepted after special assessment by county advisors.

Her appointment is also a big boost for Casterton, whose problems were spotlighted in an Ofsted inspection a year ago.

New head Judith Williams and staff have pulled things round. A recent monitoring inspection recognised the improvements.

Mrs Williams said: "We are very proud of Vicki. She is outstandingly good.

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