Four Bradford schools are among the best in the country for having high standards of literacy and numeracy which get children off to a flying start in their education.

Eldwick First School in Bingley, All Saints' First and Sacred Heart Primary in Ilkley and Stanbury First in Keighley were today named by the chief inspector of schools, Chris Woodhead, for their outstanding performances during 1996/97.

Mr Woodhead said: "In these schools, pupils achieve high standards in literacy and numeracy and make an excellent start to their education."

Stanbury First, one of the smallest schools in the Bradford district with 53 pupils, was delighted to be included in Ofsted's annual report which praised the work of 159 schools nationally.

Headteacher Peter Morley said: "The success of this school is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when staff, parents and the whole village community work together to provide the best start in life for our children. I am confident the special place which rural schools occupy in their village community will be taken into consideration under the current review."

Sacred Heart Primary recently came under the spotlight for gaining a perfect score in the 11-year-old tests last year with all pupils reaching the expected standards in maths, English and science.

Headteacher Aileen Madden said: "It is really nice to have our success recognised, particularly by Chris Woodhead himself. Ofsted look at the quality of teaching and learning, the environment of the school, school ethos and a whole range of facilities, not just examination success, so we are even more pleased that we are recognised in this report."

Sue Greenwood at Eldwick First said success was founded in having a strong partnership with all people involved in the school.

"People in the school have worked very hard for our success and this will be a great boost for us at a time when we are facing many changes nationally and, of course, locally with the schools' review."

Peter Marsh at All Saints attributed the school's success to the hard work and care of the staff, governors and parents.

"We are a caring school, the relationships within it are excellent and my children are a delight to be with," he said.

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