This year has seen an increase in the number of children who have reached the expected standard in Key Stage 2.

According to figures published today, 64% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics at Key Stage 2 nationally.

This figure was 61% in 2017.

The Government said this increase is the result of investment in programmes to help raise primary school standards.

This includes £26m to raise literacy levels and £41m to improve pupils’ maths.

The Department for Education also said the increase in the number of pupils reaching the expected standard in Key Stage 2 happened despite the introduction of a more challenging national curriculum.

‘A good primary education lays the foundations for success at secondary school and beyond,’ said school standards minister Nick Gibb.

‘That’s why we introduced a more rigorous, knowledge-rich primary school curriculum – with an emphasis on reading and fluency in arithmetic – to ensure every child is helped to reach their potential from the moment they start school.

‘Today’s results and the rising standards we are seeing in our primary schools are the fruit of our reforms and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of teachers across the country.

‘These reforms promise even more success in the years to come and will help to improve education for every child, no matter their background.’

The improvement in standards comes against a backdrop of central Government school cuts.

According to a recent study by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), the average maintained primary school deficit increased, from £72,042 in 2010-11, to £107,962 in 2016-17.