HARD work from staff, pupils and parents is the key to success at the most improved school in County Durham.

St Francis CE (Aided) Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, has been named one of the top 40 most improved in the country in the latest league tables.

Results published today show that every one of the school's 31 pupils who sat the tests this year reached the accepted level in science.

The figure for English was 87 per cent and in maths 94 per cent. That makes an aggregate score of 281, compared to just 123 in 1997.

Headteacher Jill Gleghorn said she was "absolutely delighted" by the results, but added that the league table does not tell the whole story.

The results are based on the percentage of children reaching level four in each subject.

Mrs Gleghorn pointed out that 61 per cent of children attained level five in maths.

She said: "I'm really pleased by the results, especially as this is only my third year here, but it's not down to me.

"It's the children, the staff, the parents and the governors - the whole supportive team who work very well together.

"The parents help their children with homework and come to meetings about the tests, and it is nice that all their hard work has been recognised."