SCHOOLS Minister Jacqui Smith has written to a North-East council to congratulate education staff on their excellent performance in this year's results.

In a letter to Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, Ms Smith said grades in schools in the town were outstanding. The town was ranked 26th out of 150 in the country.

She said: "It is encouraging and a testament of the continued best efforts of all involved to raise standards in our schools.

"I would like to pass on my congratulations to pupils and teachers and colleagues at local authority level for their continued achievement."

This year, Stockton achieved record high grades in key stage (KS) 1, KS2, KS3 and GCSE results.

At key stage 1, 87 per cent of seven-year-olds achieved level 2 or above in reading, 86 per cent in writing, 90 per cent in science and 92 per cent in maths.

At key stage 2, 81 per cent of pupils reached level 4 or above in English, 80 per cent in maths and 89 per cent in science.

At key stage 3, 72 per cent of pupils attained level 5 or above in English, 74 per cent in maths and 70 per cent in science.

Across Stockton, 16-year-olds achieved record GCSE results, with 55 per cent of pupils being awarded five A* to C grades at GCSE or equivalent.

Coun Cunningham said: "I am delighted at the results this year and pupils and teachers must be congratulated for all their hard work."