HOLT Primary School has made such impressive progress that it is now in line for a national excellence award.

Staff and parents are thrilled after the village school was named as one of the most improved by education chiefs in this year's primary school performance league tables.

The accolade came after the school scored a resounding success with 100 per cent of 11-year-olds achieving the government's target of level four in English, maths and science.

Just three years ago, the school was severely criticised by Ofsted inspectors as having serious weaknesses.

Headteacher Val Henstock said a major decision had been to turn the three-class school into four classes, even though it meant running in deficit.

She said: "We had classes of 39 and 40 pupils but we said that although the school budget was tight, we were determined to stay as a four-class school.

"It was difficult because we couldn't afford an extra teacher, but it has made an enormous difference. We have made phenomenal progress."

She said the results had gone up from 60 per cent in English in 1998 to 85 per cent last year and 100 per cent this year.

Maths was up from 53 per cent in 1998 to 92 per cent in 99 and 100 per cent this year.

Science also improved from 47 per cent two years ago to 85 per cent last year and 100 per cent this year.

She said: "Our results have been so good that the education authority has nominated us for a national excellence award which is wonderful news. We are thrilled.

"Everyone has worked very hard."