Sandwell school results among most improved in UK

The borough was the fourth most improved area nationally for 11-year-olds reaching the expected level or above in the two subjects.

The Performance Tables figures for 2011, released by the Department for Education, show Sandwell primary schools have improved Key Stage 2 results by four per cent on last year.

There has been particular improvement in writing skills - with 10 per cent more children than last year meeting the national standard for writing.

Children in Sandwell now make faster progress than the national average in both English and maths between the ages of 7 and 11.

Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "This is an outstanding result for Sandwell. We know we've been making year-on-year improvements in our Key Stage 2 results, but this is a real mark of the pace of improvement here.

"Work to raise standards in our schools is proving hugely successful. And I would like to congratulate all the students, teachers, governors, parents, and everyone at the council involved in this.

"We are certainly not taking our eye off the ball and we are constantly pressing for further improvements."