A SCHEME to improve maths teaching in Stockton has been declared a success by the borough council.

In 1997, the local education authority become one of only three in the country to join the national Gatsby Mathematics Enhancement Project Primary (MEPP).

A group of schools in Stockton were targeted by the project, which aims to improve standards by introducing mental arithmetic sessions and interactive whole class teaching.

Since the project was introduced more than 85 per cent of children in five of the schools have achieved the national maths standards in key stage one tests.

Each school has been provided with a computer and education software to help year two pupils, and maths masterclasses have been started for more able year six pupils.

Maths coordinators have been appointed by each school to evaluate teaching.

The Gatsby project will continue with an investigation to see if practices used in maths can be used in other subjects