THE number of Middlesbrough pupils attaining national standards is almost 20 per cent less than the average in some subjects, it has been revealed.

Figures compiled by the town's Local Education Authority show that only 47.6 per cent of Key Stage Three children, aged 11 to 14, achieved level five or above in science this year, compared with the national average of 66 per cent.

In maths, the situation was only slightly better, with 49.7 reaching the required standard, compared with a 66 per cent average. In English, the town's figure was 14 per cent lower than average.

In all three subjects, Middlesbrough schools failed to reach the authority's own standards, which are lower than the country's average.

At GCSE level, only 35.1 per cent of pupils achieved five A* to C grades, compared with an average of 49.1 per cent, again failing to reach the authority's target. But the level of pupils leaving school with no qualifications was only one per cent higher than nationally, and exceeded the local standard.

Achievement rates for five to 11-year-olds were lower than average for all but science.

A report to the education cabinet, which meets on Tuesday, recommends that the weakest schools be given extra support, that improvement initiatives be focused on specific pupils and that core subjects be given extra attention.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Borough Council said: "We are analysing the figures, and will be discussing them with schools to ensure that we are able to continue and accelerate the general upward trend of these results."