YORK teachers and education chiefs are celebrating after their schools were rated the best in the region for primary school leavers.

Key Stage 2 results released by the Department of Education show 36 per cent of pupils achieved Level 5 in English and 43 per cent achieved the same grade in mathematics. Both figures were the highest in Yorkshire and Humber.

For Level 4+, the expected level of achievement for 11-year-olds, the figures for York schools were 83 per cent for English and mathematics, both above the national average.

Pete Dwyer, City of York Council’s director of adults, children and education, said: “I am really pleased with these results, which show York’s primary schools continue to perform excellently. The hard work of pupils and teaching staff has produced positive results right across the city.

“We recognise the support of parents and the collective efforts of a range of partner organisations in these achievements, which really do help ensure our children in York have the best possible start in life.”

Coun Ruth Potter, education portfolio holder, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the pupils, their families and all the school staff for their hard work over the last year.”