FOUR primary schools in Hartlepool have earned a seal of approval from a government agency for providing high standards in education.

Eldon Grove, Jesmond Road, Owton Manor and West View primary schools have received the Quality Mark for the first time from the Basic Skills Agency.

The schools had to meet ten stringent criteria, such as improving performance in basic skills, the use of a range of teaching styles and the invol-vement of parents in developing their children's skills.

Schools also have to show that standards have risen in literacy and numeracy.

Alan Farrage, education advisor at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "All four schools have worked very hard to gain the Quality Mark, which shows the commitment to teaching basic skills and raising attainment levels in literacy and numeracy."

Assessment for the award is carried out by council education officers. The award lasts for three years.

Recently, a joint report by the Audit Commission and Ofsted said that the town's education service was in the top 25 per cent nationally.