BOLTON'S children are performing above average according to the primary school league tables published this week to revealing the borough's best and worst performing schools.

The Department for Education publishes the annual tables detailing the performance of every school in the country based on the results of the Key Stage Two SATs ­— taken by Year Six pupils to test their reading, writing and maths.

(Scroll down for link to results of each individual school)

THE numbers of children mastering the 3Rs in Bolton's schools has dipped slightly but the level of progress they make is above average, data released by the Government shows

Bolton's overall result fell by one per cent, while the country's average rose by one per cent.

This year, 65 per cent of children left primary school having achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, a fall of one percent on last year, when Bolton beat the country's average by two points.

But the progress children make during their time at school in all subjects is above average. This score show how much progress pupils at this school made in reading, writing and maths between the end of Key Stage One and the end of Key Stage Two, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of Key Stage One.

And the number of children achieving at a higher standard rose by one per cent to 11 per cent, again in line with the country's average.

FIND OUT HOW YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL DID HERE: Table.pdf

Writing was the strongest subject with 80 per cent of children achieving the benchmark compared to 78 per cent nationally, the maths result was in line with the national average of 79 per cent and reading levels fell below the national average, with a score of 71 per cent compared to 73 per cent nationally.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Christine Wild, said: “We are pleased that, overall, primary schools in our area are performing at or above the expected level in 2019.

“Figures for Bolton also show that we have achieved the same level as the England average for pupils meeting or exceeding expected standards for writing, reading and maths."

She added:“This is a result of the hard work of our teachers, pupils and their families and I congratulate them all.

“Moving forward we will be working closely with all schools to further improve standards with the aim of achieving even higher results next year.”

The Bolton News:

Blackrod Primary School

Top of the table this year was Blackrod Primary School, where 94 per cent of pupils left reaching at least the expected standard in the 3Rs.

In reading children made "well above average" progress.

The village school recently underwent an extension to admit more pupils.

And the school received national coverage in the hit television series Class of Mum and Dad, which won a Royal Television Society (Scotland) Award this year.

Headteacher Ian Dryburgh said: "'Everyone in School is delighted about our position in this year's performance tables.

"We are incredibly proud of the children's achievement and the work of all the staff who supported them so well.

"This result brings an eventful year-one which saw our school expand and welcome more children ­— to a very happy conclusion. We would like to pass on our congratulations to all the other schools in Bolton who work equally hard in a variety of very different contexts."

The other schools which dominated the top five places were St Thomas CE Primary in Westhoughton, Lostock Primary School, Sunning Hill Primary School in Daubhill and Holy Infant and St Anthony RC Primary in Astley Bridge.

Only two schools in the borough recorded children making "well above average" progress in all three subjects.

They were Highfield Primary School, Highfield, and St Peter and St Paul's RC Primary School just on the outskirts of Bolton town centre.

The Bolton News:

Highfield School

Headteacher of Highfield School, David Glyn-Jones said: "These excellent results reflect the very hard work put in by all the children and staff at Highfield, as well as the great support provided by the parents and families."

The Bolton News:

St Peter and St Paul's RC Primary

At St Peter and Paul's RC Primary School 21 per cent achieved at the higher level, double the national average.

Headteacher Trish Grogan said: "The children worked their socks off to achieve this outstanding result. Staff at St Peter & St Paul’s RC Primary School are dedicated to giving all the children the very best opportunities for success whilst having lots of fun and memorable experiences.

"Our goal is always to inspire a thirst for learning that will follow the children through the future of their education and all that they do. We are so very proud of every individual child for showing resilience and utter commitment. It is absolutely superb ending the year on this note. Thank you to all parents, staff and governors for all their amazing support, we are truly blessed."