A PRIMARY SCHOOL in Penhill has been declared one of the best in Swindon by government inspectors - despite finishing bottom of the league tables for two years running.

Penhill Primary's latest Ofsted report, released today, says it is "a good and improving school with many good features".

It continues: "In the face of challenging circumstances, the school has made good progress".

The report backs up the criticism of the league tables made by many of the town's headteachers, who say the tables do not reflect how much is added to the children's learning, compared to their ability on starting the school.

Headteacher Linda Rankin has expressed her delight at the glowing report.

She said: "We have put the pride back into Penhill and the children, teachers, governors and parents are all a part of that.

"We could have changed the name of the school after the failure but we didn't want to do that because we are proud of being Penhill and we are a good school.

"When the Ofsted inspectors came in we had 30 parents who wanted to speak to them to talk about how far the school had come.

"Penhill is a brilliant place to work, we don't have a very high turnover of staff and while it is a challenging school there is a feeling we are doing everything together."

The report highlights that pupils enjoy coming to school and parents have recognised how the headteacher has led the school through challenging situations.

The teaching is praised and the report explains that while standards may be low, the pupils achieve well because of good teaching. Other areas cited include the behaviour of pupils and consistent behaviour policy, as well as the "very good" leadership and management.

School council member Shawni Lyon, 10, from Penhill said: "I enjoy school, it's got a lot better in the last few years.

"The lessons are better because the teachers have a better attitude, people used to think they could get away with behaving badly but not any more. My parents think Mrs Rankin should be in charge of a bigger school because she has done so well here."

Swindon's headteachers have heavily criticised the league tables for not being an accurate reflection of how good a school is.

Swindon Association of Primary Heads chair Paul Kohn said: "Penhill Primary is a perfect example of a school which does not necessarily hit the targets set in the national curriculum but is adding a huge amount to the children's learning and understand on life, and that is what Ofsted has rightly picked up on.

"Massive credit must go to the children, teachers and headteacher."

Swindon's director of education Hilary Pitts said: "We are delighted with this news.

"There is strong leadership at the school which with the hard work of staff, governors and pupils has resulted in a successful inspection."