IMPROVEMENTS in Key Stage Two results in Hartlepool's schools are continuing, according to the latest figures.

In 1996, only 48 per cent of pupils achieved level four in English. This has increased to more than 70 per cent. In maths, 72 per cent of pupils achieved level four.

The Local Education Authority and schools have set targets for individual pupils, groups of pupils, year groups and schools. Jeremy Fitt, director of education at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "These results confirm the overall trend over time in the performance of our 11-year-old pupils."