SMALLWOOD Primary School has been named as the best performing primary in Cheshire.

The school near Sandbach, which has 117 pupils, has come out best in the county and in the top 50 in the country, in the 2003 Primary School Performance Tables.

Headteacher Pat McDonnell said: 'I am very proud of the pupils and of the staff. They all work hard and face things as a team. It is a good achievement.'

Pupils achieved 100% success in English, maths and science, between Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.

In addition to exam results, numerous extra-curricular activities, including clubs and trips, provide a comprehensive learning system.

A £380,000 building, which includes two new classrooms, a staff room, a headteacher's office, a secretary's office, two toilet blocks and new corridors, have added to the facilities.

While pleased, Mrs McDonnell is not in favour of league tables. She said: 'I feel very strongly that a school should not be judged on exam results alone. I think what goes on in school life overall is the most important thing.

'We have a very busy and vibrant school and I believe the confidence the children get from the other things they do is reflected in the way the approach their work.'