THE headteachers of two Trowbridge schools placed near the bottom of Wiltshire league tables released this week have spoken of their pride in pupils.

Out of the 35 children who took the SATS tests at Studley Green Primary School, 20 have special educational needs. At Trowbridge Longmeadow School, this figure is 14 out of 18 children.

Steve Wigley, headteacher of Studley Green, said: "Every one of our children achieves the best they can but because they are working from a different level it will not look good on a league table.

"They are all wonderful children and I wouldn't be without them for the world."

Studley Green takes pupils with learning problems from outside its area so they can take advantage of its expertise.

The SATS tests measure how many 11-year-olds at Key Stage II have reached level 4 or higher in English, maths and science.

At Longmeadow School less than 40 per cent of pupils reached this level in science and English, with just 17 percent reaching it in maths.

Headteacher Ian Janman said: "Although maths was slightly disappointing, we did reach our target in English and science.

"I have told the children not to take any criticism about this and that I am proud of their achievements."

Headteachers at other Wiltshire schools have also warned against taking statistics alone as a measure of a school.

Angela Reeves, the headteacher of Sambourne School, Warminster, said: "I'm very pleased with the results. Every year is different and we value the progress the children have made.

"League tables are one way of indicating what a school can do for children, but it's not the only indicator. Parents need to come to the school and see all aspects, not just the academic side."

At Christchurch School in Bradford on Avon, the statistics look good, with most pupils doing well.

Acting headteacher Beverly Ball said: "The results don't tell everyone everything but we are very proud of the results as a whole and I think all our pupils have performed very well."

Holt Primary School achieved some of the best results in the country, with 100 per cent of pupils reaching Level 4 in maths and science, and 92 per cent in English.

Headteacher Valerie Henstock said: "It is a real tribute to the quality of teaching and learning that takes place daily in our school."

Bob Wolfson, chief education officer for Wiltshire County Council said: "Working in partnership with schools, Wiltshire County Council has set educational standards as one of our highest priorities.

"I would like to congratulate all the pupils who have achieved these results and to pay tribute to the effort and expertise of their teachers."

Mr Wolfson also reminded parents that academic league tables are just one source of information about a school and they should also consider OFSTED and Governors reports and school prospectuses.