PRIMARY school pupils whose SATs results were significantly above average are celebrating.

Ongar Primary School’s Year 6 children achieved results around 20 per cent above other schools in all subjects, including reading, writing and maths.

In total, around 82.3 per cent of Ongar pupils reached the expected standard for reading and maths, a stark contrast to the national average of between 61 per cent and 75 per cent.

Meanwhile, 88 per cent of pupils made the grade for grammar, punctuation, spelling and writing - and the national average was 77 per cent.

The school credits its success to its “talented team” and its “big ambitions”.

Interim headteacher, Tim Bowden said: “I am delighted for the pupils, parents and staff. These results are fantastic. The team here at Ongar Primary School work hard to meet the needs of every child.

“As a small school the team here know every pupil really well and are able to provide tailored support to ensure every child thrives. It has been great to work with such a great team for this term.”

The school’s new headteacher, Debbie Attridge, is due to join in September.

She said: “I am so pleased for the school and pupils. I am honoured to be joining the amazing team here at Ongar Primary School as their new headteacher from September and look forward to leading the school to further success as we work towards our goal of being an outstanding school.

“I am delighted to see more families choosing Ongar Primary School because of our strong educational track record and level of personalised care for our pupils.”