CULLINGWORTH Village Primary School is celebrating after chalking-up top-class results.

It has been ranked fourth out of the 150-plus primary schools across the Bradford district in the latest league tables.

The performance data, based on key stage two exam results from last summer, shows that at Cullingworth all eligible pupils made at least two levels of progress in both writing and maths.

"We are absolutely delighted with the results," said Mrs Kate Sutcliffe, who has been head at the 225-pupil school for about 18 months.

"It is all down to the hard work of our staff and pupils.

"In particular we have done better in maths than in previous years.

"The standards and progress have been fantastic and I'm very proud of everybody here."

Bradford as a district has not fared so well.

The authority is ranked 147th out of 152 for reading, writing and maths, despite the fact that the percentage of pupils reaching expected standards was higher than last year.

A total of 73 per cent of pupils in the district gained the expected level four grades this year, compared to the national average of 79 per cent. Last year the district figure was 69 per cent .

Michael Jameson, Bradford Council children's services director, said improvements were being made but admitted this year's results fell short.

"This latest data shows our district's key stage two results have improved across several key measures so our schools are heading in the right direction," he said.

"But we are resolutely determined that our schools rapidly accelerate these improvements, because the overall results fall considerably short of where they need to be.

"We have set extremely robust targets and we are providing our schools with strong challenges and support to achieve them.

“We are pushing for urgent improvements, with particular focus on the fundamentals of reading, writing and numeracy as these are the building blocks for a child's education.

“Alongside our challenge and support, it is vital that schools work closely in partnership with parents and carers to deliver the best educational experience for our young people.

"Education is a key priority for the council and we are doing everything in our powers to ensure schools achieve the highest possible standards without delay."

In North Yorkshire, top performers in the South Craven area included Cononley Community Primary School.

It was 35th in the local authority ranking.

All eligible pupils achieved level four or above in the maths test.

Headteacher, Paula Hillman, said: "As a school we have really worked hard and I am delighted with the results.

"It is due to the dedication and hard work of all the staff and our wonderful children."