A SCHOOL in Christchurch has been named among one of the top state primary schools in the country.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Dorset Road, Somerford, secured 31st position in the Sunday Times annual rankings.

Schools are ranked in the national table by the aggregated scaled scores achieved by the children in reading, grammar and maths from the SATs taken in 2019.

Elizabeth Rippon, headteacher at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, said: "We are really proud of the children and the staff at St Joseph’s.

"It is a team effort and we have a fantastic school community.

"Our school, like many others, isn’t just about Year 6 results but the whole journey from early years. It is about preparing children for their lives ahead."

St Joseph's was the only primary school across the BCP area to feature in this year's of the state primary edition Parent Power, which is published by the national newspaper.

The school has more than 200 pupils and has consistently maintained a 'Good' rating from Ofsted inspectors.