CLASS act Kath Brown must have wondered what she was letting herself in for when she took over at Gaskell Primary School.

By her own admission, staff morale and the school's league table position had hit rock bottom.

But the headteacher can hardly keep the pleasure out of her voice as she talks about the astonishing turn-around since she started in 1997.

The mood was radically different yesterday as Gaskell Primary was praised by the Government as the ninth most improved school in the whole of England.

From a meagre total of 57 per cent of pupils out of a possible 300 per cent reaching expected levels in English, Maths and Science tests, the figure has gone up more than four-fold to 248 per cent this year.

The 300 per cent figure includes the combined achievements of a possible 100 per cent in English, Maths and Science.

The Gaskell figure was achieved despite almost half the 11-year-olds tested being classed as having special educational needs.

Miss Brown said: "It's wonderful news and makes me very, very proud of everyone involved.

"I do feel for those colleagues at the other end of the league table because I know how it feels.

"I started when we were bottom of the league table and morale was very low."

Miss Brown, formerly deputy head of Spindle Point in Kearsley, said the drive to transform the school had only succeeded through "sheer hard work".

She praised the "outstanding" efforts of teachers and said the role parents and governors had played in encouraging children should not be underestimated.

She added: "The attitude towards school is absolutely crucial. If parents are interested and keen for their children to do well it tends to rub off."

Other initiatives have included:

Teachers giving up their own time to supervise after-school homework and reading clubs.

Scrutinising past performances and focusing on improving areas of weakness.

Targeting children who could achieve the required standards and giving them extra attention

Discussing pupils' potential with parents and sharing targets.

Tonge Moor Primary was 51st most improved, increasing its test score from 92 per cent out of 300 per cent in 1997 to 244 per cent this year.

Red Lane in Breightmet has more than doubled its score from 111per cent in 1997 to 257 per cent in the latest figures.

It was 62nd most improved in the country.

MARKLAND Hill Primary School was in the top 10 schools in England. Pupils scored 100 per cent in English, maths and science. St Maxentius, Bradshaw, achieved perfect marks to come 12th in the country, based on pupil numbers.