PROVISIONAL figures released today show that Norfolk schoolchildren have closed the gap on national Key Stage 2 levels with increased performance in science and maths results.

PROVISIONAL figures released today show that Norfolk schoolchildren have closed the gap on national Key Stage 2 levels with increased performance in science and maths results.

Provisional data for Norfolk shows a 1pc rise from last year's result in science, with 87pc of children gaining Level 4 or above. This result sees Norfolk gain on the national average - which remained the same as last year, at 88pc.

Those reaching Level 5 increased by 1pc, whilst the national result at that level fell by 1pc.

Seventy-six per cent of pupils gained Level 4 or above in maths - a rise of 1pc from last year's results, and gaining on the national average - which remained the same as last year, at 79pc.

Having secured record results in English last year, Norfolk's results bucked the national drop at Level 5 - remaining the same as last year, but fell back by 1pc to 78pc gaining Level 4 or above - with the national average at Level 4 also dropping 1pc, to 80pc.

Shelagh Hutson, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet member for Children's Services, said: “Whether transferring between schools because of age, or having completed their education, ensuring that our children leave Norfolk's schools with the skills and desire to go on to the next stage of their education, training or career, is of the highest importance to the County Council.

“At a time when Key Stage 2 results nationally in science and maths have plateaued, we have made good ground with our increased performance and have closed the gap on the national averages.

“English has unfortunately fallen back in line with the national drop at Level 4, but has remained the same as last year at Level 5, where nationally that took a drop also.

“We will be working hard with schools to continue the increased performance in maths and science, and look at how we can get English levels moving in the right direction again, but overall pupils and schools should be pleased with this set of results, which are testament to the determination to raise attainment at our schools.”