Bradford has slipped two places nationally for its primary school results, new figures have revealed.

But, at the same time, this year's national league tables for Key Stage Two, published today, also show some of the district's schools boast outstanding results.

Overall Bradford has slipped two places down the country's primary schools league tables to seventh from bottom.

One school, Menston Primary, had its entire maths results for 11-year-olds declared null and void because the pupils had been helped, an investigation revealed, and this will have had a small effect on the overall figures for Bradford.

Last year the Telegraph & Argus reported how standards also slipped one place as marks placed the LEA ninth from the bottom.

But there were celebrations today at several schools after being ranked among the top 200 nationally for the total number of high-flying pupils gaining level four and above, including Primrose Hill Primary in Pudsey which came fifth.

The percentage of youngsters gaining at least level four in maths, English and science was a hundred across the board.

Nationally, 78 per cent of 11-year-olds achieved level four or more in English, up three points compared with 2003, and 74 per cent in maths, one point more than last year.

The average for science across the country stayed the same as last year at 86 per cent.

In Bradford, the average for level four and above was 71 per cent for English, compared to 68.3 last year, 66 per cent for maths, up from 65.3 last year, and 78 per cent for science, a drop from 79.7.

The aggregate score overall has risen steadily from 202 in 2001 to 215 this year.

Head teacher Lesley West, at Primrose Hill Primary, said their ranking was a "fantastic" accolade and recognised the hard work by staff and youngsters, and support from parents.

"We've always focused on individual children and tried to look at the needs of each pupil and we are always proud of every child, whether they achieve level four or not," she said.

"We are delighted with our results this year and to win a place so high up in the top 200."

Its aggregate score has risen from 272 last year to 300 in 2004.

She said the school offered a broad curriculum for youngsters and also offered booster sessions in core subjects.

Eldwick Primary School, in Gilstead, was also ranked among the top 200 nationally for its high percentages of youngsters gaining level four and above.

With totals of a hundred per cent in English and science, and 98 per cent in maths, the school, in Barnaby Road, off Warren Lane, gained an aggregate score of 298, compared to 284 last year.

Head teacher Sue Greenwood said she was delighted with the results.

"It's down to everyone's hard work - the children and the staff," she said.

"I'm very proud of our Key Stage Two results and our year-on-year improvement.

"It's very hard to maintain such high standards as schools are more than just results."

A spokesman for Education Bradford said new learning initiatives were being introduced which were expected to raise standards for thousands of primary school pupils across the Bradford district.

Education Bradford's total Value Added at Key Stage Two scoring has also improved from 99.3 per cent in 2003 to 99 per cent in 2004, which should place the LEA 134th out of 150 on that measure.

Since 2001, when Education Bradford took over running the district's schools, attainment at level four or more has increased by five per cent in English, compared to two per cent nationally, and by seven per cent in maths, compared to three per cent nationally.

And the spokesman said Education Bradford has now brought in expertise which will bring about further improvements in English and also raise standards in maths and science.

Heather Rushton, Education Bradford's director of primary school standards, said: "Over the next few years the focus on language development and English teaching will continue but, in addition, we will be providing increased support to schools for maths and science which will see standards rise.

"We have been working with our partners to provide funding and come up with pioneering programmes to consolidate what has already been achieved at Key Stage Two and bring about further improvements."

She said they were also working with Bradford Vision to provide assistance to primary schools where pupils need help with the acquisition of basic skills in English and maths.

Bob Pouchand, until recently an education inspector for science, will be working with Education Bradford staff to assist 15 primary schools to develop support with teaching science to raise standards.

This will involve employing an additional Key Stage Two consultant to establish the team which provides support to schools in science and give additional training to teachers at some of the schools involved.