KIRKBY IN MALHAMDALE Primary School was top of the class in the key stage two standard assessment tests (SATs), published on Thursday.

The small village primary school scored 100 per cent across the board, with all of last year's Year Six pupils achieving the expected level four standard in reading, writing and maths.

The tests are taken by those about to move up to secondary school.

And 43 per cent of the Kirkby Malham youngsters also met the more advanced level five standard, putting the school among the top 1,000 schools in the country.

It was the best performing school in Craven and finished 20th in the North Yorkshire league table.

Headteacher Gary McHale said: "We are over the moon. We are a tiny school and the results prove what can be achieved by working together with the children, parents and governors."

He added that the results were particularly satisfying as the Year Six pupils were taught in a mixed-age group with Years Three, Four and Five. "Teaching a mixed-age group makes it more tricky, but we are obviously doing something right. "

Mr McHale also predicted that next year's results would be even better.

"We have developed an ethos where children want to learn and do their best," he said.

Embsay Primary finished 27th in the county table, with 97 per cent of pupils achieving level four in reading and writing and all 29 pupils reaching the standard in English.

Headteacher Sarah Spensley said: "Embsay is incredibly proud of all of the Year Six children and their achievements. The hard work from both pupils and staff has definitely paid off.

"We feel that our high aspirations, together with the support of our wider church and village community, help our pupils to do well not just in the aspects measured by the tables, but across the whole curriculum and in their spiritual, social and cultural development too.

"We congratulate the pupils on their successes."

There was also an impressive performance from Carleton Endowed School, which was 31st in North Yorkshire.

All 19 eligible pupils reached level four in reading and 95 per cent achieved the standard in writing and maths.

But of particular note was the number of pupils achieving level five in spelling, punctuation and grammar, up from 29 per cent last year to 84 per cent this year.

Headteacher Duggie Speight said: "We are very pleased with the results. We have had a big focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar, which was our weakest point last year, and it has had a massive impact."

The best performing Skipton school was Water Street, with 97 per cent of pupils achieving level four in reading and writing and 100 per cent in maths.

Many pupils also reached the level five standard, putting it among the top schools nationally. It was 33rd in North Yorkshire.

"The results are fantastic," said headteacher Stuart Anslow. "However, we celebrate all of our children's achievements not just academically but also in sport, drama, music to name just a few. As a school we work extremely hard so that all children can achieve their full potential and leave Water Street as confident, happy young people."