Primary school pupils in Essex have once again upped the benchmark percentage of achieving high Sat results.

Figures released by the Department of Education this morning (August 27) revealed that 81 per cent of 11-year-olds in the county achieved level four or higher in their Scholastic Aptitude Tests in the three subjects in 2015.

The result is a two percentage point rise from the 79 per cent achieving the benchmark in 2014.

The Essex figure is also above the national average for state-funded schools, which increased from 79 per cent in 2014 to 80 per cent in 2015.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I am delighted with these latest Key Stage 2 statistics, which illustrate the fantastic work going on every day at primary schools in Essex.

“Following the county’s excellent GCSE and A-Level results, it is very pleasing to see the summer capped off in such a positive way ahead of the new academic year.

“As a council, we will continue to work very closely with schools to ensure pupils in Essex receive the best possible education.”