FURTHER to your coverage of the latest information published by Ofsted, Report good news for city schools (The Press, March 14), I’d like to add my congratulations to head teachers across the city.

It is thanks to their dedication, and that of staff, parents and children, that 83 per cent of York schools [latest data] are now rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, despite the most rigorous Ofsted inspection framework yet.

In 2013, 67 per cent of York pupils achieved 5+ A*-C GCSEs, including English and Maths – the highest in the Yorkshire and Humberside region – further proof of the hard work of all those involved. While we know that continual improvement is vital to ensure the best for all our children, these improved figures bring us one step closer to achieving our ambition that every child or young person in the city attends a school, early years setting or children’s centre that is rated as being good or outstanding.

Coun Janet Looker, Cabinet member for Education, Children and Young People, City of York Council.