HEREFORDSHIRE primary school pupils are achieving above average results.

More of the county's seven to 11-year-olds are meeting standards in reading, writing and maths than the English average.

And on top of that, more are achieving higher standards.

New government figures reveal how the county is outperforming England at Key Stage 2 at the end of primary school.

While the English average for meeting the expected standards is 65 per cent, Herefordshire's figure is 69 per cent.

It is also achieving 12 per cent at higher standard, compared with the English figure of 11 per cent.

Our children are slightly better readers, with an average score of 105 against the average of 104. In maths, the county and the English scores are the same, at 105.

The basis for the figures is how children performed in reading and maths tests, plus how their writing skills have been assessed by their teachers.

Five of the county's 89 primary schools had a 100 per cent record for children working at the expected level. They were Cradley, Eardisley, Eastnor, Kimbolton St James and Longtown Community.

Top mark for working at the higher level was 29 per cent, achieved at Brampton Abbotts, Staunton-on-Wye and Walford.

The joint top four schools for reading, with a score of 110, were Eardisley, Longtown, Pembridge and Walford.

In maths Kimbolton St James was top with 111 points.

The schools were also marked for how well their pupils progressed during the four years between Key Stage 1 and 2.

Best progress in reading and writing was Eastnor with scores of 6.5 and 7.7 respectively above the average. In maths Kimbolton St James was top with 5.8.

The performance figures relate to a total of 1,879 children, ranging from just two at King's Caple to 91 at Trinity Primary.

n To see the full list and compare schools go to the government's website at www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables