Figures published last week by the Department for Education have revealed that attainment levels for primary schools are rising in every subject. In addition, the figures show that disadvantaged pupils are continuing to close the gap on their classmates.

Results taken from more than half a million 11 year olds (at Key Stage 2) show that the percentage of pupils achieving the expected level (level 4) in reading, writing and maths has risen by 3 percentage points to 79% while the proportion achieving the more challenging level 4b is also up – from 63% to 67%. The findings also show that since 2013, 22,000 pupils have improved their reading, writing and maths attainment levels.

Also despite a tougher new threshold, the figure’s show that the number of primaries judged to be below standard has remained stable.

Commenting on the figures, Liberal Democrat schools minister David Laws stated:

“I am pleased to see that primaries have responded to the challenge of a higher floor standard – we have raised the bar and schools have raised their game.

“It is also encouraging to see the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers continue to narrow and parents, teachers and pupils deserve to be congratulated for their efforts.

“But we know there is more to do and there are still too many areas with simply unacceptable levels of attainment for disadvantaged pupils.

“We are committed to helping schools do more and have increased the pupil premium they receive per pupil to £1,300 so they have the resources they need.”