MORE pupils leaving primary education in Hampshire are achieving SATS results above the national average, fresh figures reveal.

Across the county, excluding Southampton, 68 per cent of Year 6 children reached the expected standards in reading, writing and maths with 12 per cent exceeding them, according to the Department for Education.

This is compared to 64 per cent and 12 per cent nationally.

This figure for Hampshire has risen from 66 per cent and 11 per cent last year, and 59 per cent and seven per cent in 2016.

Councillor Stephen Reid, education chief at Hampshire County Council, said: “We are proud of the high standard of education to which pupils in Hampshire have access and I would like to congratulate school staff for all they do to maintain high standards.

“The majority of Hampshire’s primary schools are judged to be good or outstanding by Ofsted. And, in spite of the increasing pressures and financial challenges, we continue to work hard to support our family of schools with a range of improvement advice and other services that contribute to their ability to excel.

“Where a school needs assistance to improve its performance, our School Improvement experts are ready and able to offer the advice that will help them.”