EDUCATION chiefs have hailed the 'fantastic news' that Barnsley has jumped up the primary school league tables.

The controversial tables compare achievements nationally and this year Barnsley's best ever results has moved the town up the league by ten places.

A spokesman for the education service said that puts the town on a par with statistical neighbours like Rotherham.

Barnsley's education boss, Edna Sutton, said: "It is simply fantastic news. We are no longer lagging behind other comparable authorities and are now sitting comfortably alongside our neighbours in terms of educational performance."She said it was an exciting time for education in Barnsley and the authority would strive to bring more success.

Coun Linda Burgess, cabinet spokesperson for education, was equally pleased. She congratulated the schools and pupils for their performance and said: "We are making real progress in this borough and this is down to everyone - pupils, parents, teachers, headteachers and council employees.

"There is a real commitment to make sure everyone succeeds and long may that continue."

We have published our own league table showing how Barnsley primary schools fared last year. Silkstone Common primary is sitting at the top of the table.

Head teacher Phil Evans said it was great news and it was nice to come top but played down his role in the success.