HALTON schools now rank in the top third best performing schools in the country, according to the latest key stage two results.

The proportion of pupils attending good or better primary schools in Halton is 80 per cent compared to 78 per cent nationally.

Clr Ged Philbin, board member, children, families and young people, said: "This is excellent news for Halton, as the latest results show that our schools are certainly moving in the right direction. Our children and staff deserve to be congratulated on this fine performane."

Halton is ranked 68 against 152 local authorities in England.

The percentage of pupils who achieve the expected standard at the end of their primary education is even higher.

In the north west, Halton is ranked equal with Bury, Lancashire and Manchester.

On this attainment measure, Halton is ranked 53 out of 152 local authorities. The percentage of pupils reaching expected standard (level 4 and above) at the end of primary education for reading, writing and mathematics combined is 78 per cent. This is 3 per cent higher than the national average.

Halton is ranked seventh in the North West. At the higher standard (level 4b or above), 65 per cent of Halton’s pupils achieved this level. This is 2 per cent higher than national average.