THE HEADTEACHER of a Newton school which fared poorly in this week's performance tables says her pupils should not be branded failures.

The Manor Junior School falls short of regional and national averages in the Government's Key Stage 2 results tables, released this week.

In maths, 16 per cent of Manor Junior pupils achieved results at level four or above, compared to an education authority average of 62 per cent. In English and science, 37 per cent of pupils reached the required standard, compared to borough-wide averages of 67 per cent and 72 per cent.

But headteacher Barbara Smith said the tables did not fairly reflect children's achievements and that schools should not be judged solely on figures.

"Some children failed to get results in the tests, but children work at their own level and every child is different," she said.

"Some will never reach this magical level four, but I don't believe this means those children are failures. The kids in this school are smashing and they don't need to be knocked. If they're left to get on, their results as well as their self esteem will improve. We do have children here gaining Level 5, but unfortunately, a lot of children cannot manage level four."

She added: "During inpections, Ofsted said we were providing satisfactory teaching. Inspectors praised the school for improvements in behaviour, good personal and social development and achieving good levels of support, guidance, and extra-curricular activity."

Two weeks ago, St Mary's RC Junior School, Newton, celebrated being named as one of two schools in the St Helens area to be included in the top 100 nationwide by Government inspectors.

St Peter's Primary School also scored well above national averages, with level four pass-rates of 100 per cent in sscience.

Education chairman John Fletcher said: "With two of our primary schools in OFSTED'S top 100 nationwide, St Helens has shown once again a year on year improvement in its standards of education for the under 11s.

The council is committed to building on this success via its team of dedicated teachers and governors and the co-operation of parents and will be aiming for even higher standards next year."

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