ESSEX is above the national average for the percentage of pupils achieving the Government’s new expected standard in their key stage 2 Sats tests.

According to provisional data released by the Department for Education today, 76 per cent of the county’s year 6 pupils achieved at least the expected standard in writing, compared to an England average of 74 per cent.

In maths, 71 per cent achieved the expected standard, compared to 70 per cent nationally.

In reading, 67 per cent of Essex pupils achieved the expected standard – again higher than the national average of 66 per cent.

More than half of Essex pupils (56 per cent) achieved at least the expected standard in the combined reading, writing and maths measure – compared with an England average of 53 per cent.

Comparisons with previous years are not possible because this is the first year the new measures have been used.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I would like to congratulate pupils on their achievements and wish them the best of luck for the next chapter in their education.

“Children across the county have put in a lot of effort and hard work throughout the year and I am pleased their efforts have been rewarded with some very positive results.

“As a council, we will continue to work closely with schools to ensure pupils in Essex receive the best possible education.”