A county councillor has applauded the work of the region's school kids after it was announced that results at key stage two are higher than the national average.

Revised exam results from 2016 have shown that 11-year-olds in Staffordshire are achieving better grades than their counterparts in other parts of the country.

The exams themselves were redesigned to make them more difficult, so helping to set the children up for better exam success in the future.

The tests judge the pupils’ abilities when it comes to reading, writing and maths and have been set to raise standards in teaching and learning in primary schools.

The results from the exams show that almost 63 per cent of Staffordshire schoolchildren achieved the expected 100 score in the reading, writing and maths tests combined. The national number is 61 per cent, two per cent lower than that achieved in Staffordshire.

Phillip White, who represents Dove ward on Staffordshire County Council and is the cabinet support member for learning and employability, says the results show just how hard children in the region are working.

Mr White said: “The hard work and persistence of pupils is really paying off. We are now above the national average in every element of key stage 2, showing that the majority of pupils in the county have risen to the challenge and are meeting the standard expected of them.

“Along with our school improvement partner Entrust, we provide support to help raise standards in schools, including support on teaching, learning, and assessment. Schools are also in partnerships with others to ensure they are making the most of local expertise and experience.

“Pupils and teachers are working harder than ever, and it’s good to see this hard work paying off. These results will set them up for future success, so they can lead fulfilling lives and have rewarding careers.”

Individual marks for the three individual tests show that the achievement in Staffordshire is across the board. Reading grades for those in Staffordshire sit at 73 per cent compared to the national 71 per cent and maths sits at 76 per cent compared to 75 per cent nationally.

With writing, a massive 78 per cent of Staffordshire Key Stage 2 students achieved the expected mark, two per cent higher than the national average of 76 per cent.