A KENT head teacher has spoken out in defence of her school after it finished last in the UK's primary school league tables, which were published on Thursday.

In tests for 11-year-olds, Hersden Primary School, near Canterbury, recorded the lowest pass rates for maths, English and science.

But Margaret Shaw, the school's head, said the table do not give an accurate picture of school life.

She said: "People hone in on things that look horrendous, but if they were to sit and talk they would understand what goes on in the school.

"It is about the whole school, not just one aspect."

* SEE THE KENTISH GAZETTE (DECEMBER 14) FOR THE FULL STORY.