EDUCATION chiefs are celebrating another "milestone year'' in the performance of school pupils.

There were dramatic improvements in all age groups across County Durham in last year's key stage tests and exams. And this year, the trend has continued with pupils recording levels of improvement often greater than the national average.

In Key Stage 2 tests for 11-year-olds in English, maths and science, the rate of improvement was twice the national average.

This year's results show the county's youngsters have continued to extend the gap by improving their own scores still further and also because the national averages have stood still in English and fallen in maths. The percentage of pupils gaining average Level 4 attainment at Key Stage 2 was: English 75.1 (national average 74); maths 74.8 (70); science 89.6 (87).

Key Stage 2 attainment at higher than average Level 5 was above the national average in maths and science - English 26.4 (28); maths 26.5 (24); science 35.3 (33).

Key Stage 3 results were at, or slightly below, the national average but improved significantly on last year, while nationally they stayed fairly static.

A few years ago, English results were relatively poor but have now reached the national average, while maths and science have risen by two per cent - English 64 (64); maths 64 (66); science 64 (66).

GCSE results have yet to be fully collated but an improvement is expected of one per cent against the national average for pupils achieving five A to C passes.

The number gaining five A to G passes is expected to rise by four per cent.

Durham County councillor Neil Foster, lead cabinet member for education, said the results signified another "milestone year'' for the county's schools.

"It is particularly gratifying to see how not only are our levels of attainment in some areas higher than the national average, but the levels of improvement are also better.

"It is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved including, of course, the pupils themselves, who deserve our congratulations on their fine achievement. However, we are not complacent and we are determined to raise standards even further, especially our performance in GCSE examinations.'