A VILLAGE school has topped the league in Swindon with its SATs results.

South Marston Primary School ranked first for the percentage of its Year 6 pupils who reached level 4B in the Key Stage 2 tests. It also earned the highest average points score.

Proud head teacher Luke Maddison praised staff and pupils at the school, which has just 106 children on roll.

“Over the last three years our results have gradually improved,” he said.

The school scored 100 per cent for the number of pupils working at level 4 or 4b, with 50 per cent at level 5. And the average point score was 32.7.

“It is excellent teaching and we have really focused on what the children’s next steps are.

“It makes a big difference to their learning.”

He added that some of the pupils were particularly motivated and determined to learn.

Although the school was very small, with just 16 pupils in Year 6 last May when the tests were taken, there were some advantages.

“We really do know the children individually very well,” he said.

The school also had a mixed catchment, with pupils coming from a range of backgrounds.

He explained: “It is the progress that is really crucial and in the league tables we came very high for that.

“I think it is this year group, they have done very well in their achievement, but also in their progress.”

He said a number of pupils had actually scored higher than level four.

“That was right across the board in reading and writing,” he said.

One pupil even reached level six, which means they are working at secondary school level.

Mr Maddison said: “It is very unusual to get any level sixes in reading and we did have one this year.

“We were really surprised to get that, but what really makes the difference is motivation.”

The tests measure children’s skills in reading, writing and maths.

Pupils are expected to reach level 4 by the end of their time at primary school.

Level 4B indicates they are ready to move up to secondary school.

But the scoring system is due to be completely overhauled next year following changes to the national curriculum, although the level required for the national average to be achieved has not yet been made known.