SATs results for primary school pupils in Worcestershire are in line with the national average but there is “some room for improvement” a county councillor has said.

The results show how well key stage two pupils have progressed in English, which includes reading and writing, and maths but show the continuing disparity between the progress of girls and boys in Worcestershire.

Boys improved well in writing compared with last year with an increase of seven per cent gaining a level four, rising from 62 per cent to 69 per cent this year.

In English overall there was a 10 per cent gap between boys and girls achieving a level four, with 86 per cent of girls and 76 per cent of boys.

However, in maths the figure for both girls and boys achieving a level four was 79 per cent in Worcestershire.

Jane Potter, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, said: “While there is some room for improvement, it is to be welcomed that Worcestershire’s results are broadly in line with national averages.

“It is worth pointing out that boys’ level four writing has significantly improved. Figures have gone up by seven per cent, which is fantastic news.

“I’d like to say well done to all the young people throughout the county for their hard work this academic year.”

Nationally, 74 per cent of 11-year-olds in England achieved a level four – the standard expected of the age group – in English and maths, an increase of one per cent compared with last year.

In Worcestershire, 73 per cent of pupils gained a level four in English and maths, an increase of two per cent on last year.

When broken down into the separate subjects, nationally 81 per cent achieved a level four in English, 84 per cent in reading, 75 per cent in writing and 80 per cent in maths.

In Worcestershire, the figures in English, reading and writing were the same as the national figures, but in maths 79 per cent of pupils achieved a level four.

National curriculum tests – known as SATs – have been fiercely opposed by teaching unions.

Last month, ministers announced plans to scrap the controversial creative writing paper from 2013 following an independent review.

Teachers argued that the paper, which forms part of the overall writing test, is hard to mark because the pupils’ answers are open to interpretation.

Instead, youngsters will now sit a test in spelling, grammar and punctuation.