A HEADTEACHER defended her school after it was named one of the worst in the country.

Gosbecks Primary School, in Owen Ward Close, Colchester, was named among the bottom 200 primaries in Department for Education league tables.

The school’s results showed just 59 per cent of pupils reaching the required Level 4 inmaths before they left.

The results also showed 51 per cent not reaching the required level in both English and maths.

In a letter to the Gazette, headtacher Jayne Mitchell said: “League table stories belie the unique nature and make-up of each school in the county. Gosbecks works with a range of abilities.

“Last year, 9 per cent of Year 6 children at Gosbecks achieved Level 6 in maths, above the national average, while one in five required particular support with their learning.

“Some of our pupils go on to Colchester County High School and Colchester Royal Grammar School, while some go on to specialist schools to meet their needs.”

She added: “Every child, whatever their ability, has the opportunity to be the best they can.

“Nobody sets out to achieve poor results and yes, at Gosbecks we had a particularly weak maths result last year.

“In every league table someone has to be first and someone has to be last – a sense of perspective is needed before making all-too-easy judgements.”