A PERFECT score in the SATs and a newly-completed £840,000 building extension make for a happy time at Risley Lower Grammar C of E Primary School.

The school, which is one of the oldest in the county, is among several where all pupils gained the required level four or above in their English, maths and science tests.

The 300 percentage points for 2009, followed 280 in 2008, 269 in 2007 and 258 in 2006.

Head teacher Paul Bridgmount has been at the school in Derby Road for two years.

He said: "Everyone works hard to ensure that our pupils are viewed as individuals.

"Our teachers understand where our children are in terms of their abilities and we work with them to ensure their fulfil their potential.

"We also ensure that pupils are encouraged to use their imaginations and present learning to them in a real world context that they can identify with."

Head teacher Nigel Carr's reputation precedes him after a 12-year stint in charge of Churchtown C of E Primary School, in Darley Dale.

He is very much in demand to help out other schools in the county which need extra experience and assistance.

Mr Carr is currently at Arkwright Primary School for a term but he never takes his eye off his own school.

He is delighted that his pupils also achieved 300 percentage points.

Mr Carr said: "We managed this a few years ago and then last year we dipped to 236 but we have worked hard to turn things around.

"We have quality teaching in all areas and we have put extra effort in our information technology lessons, which helps with writing particularly.

"Our boys have done well, which bucks the national trend, and our children make good progress which takes them on to the next stage of secondary school well-equipped to deal with it."

Councillor Mike Longden, county council cabinet member for children and young people said: "Looking at our performance against previous years in the county, we've maintained our good results in science with 90% of pupils reaching the benchmark level four.

"We've also maintained our performance in maths with 82% of pupils reaching level 4 – the same as our figure last year.

"Both of these results, and our English at 81%, are above the national average.

"We don't take test results in isolation as they only provide part of the story about how schools are helping students develop and progress.

"We will provide tailored support to our schools to help each child learn and achieve."