They now stand at 81 per cent for English, 78 per cent in maths and 88 per cent in science. At the same time, pupils across the country also did well at the higher attainment mark of Level 5.

County councillor Peter Beresford, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The council is pleased that pupils in Staffordshire schools have achieved good results in the 2008 Key Stage 2 tests.

“Staffordshire pupils have done particularly well in English and maths combined, helping the county’s score to exceed the national average by three per cent. We have also done very well at Level 5 achievement, with 32 per cent of pupils gaining a Level 5 in maths, and 31 per cent in English.”

Coun Beresford added: “Results have been steadily increasing year on year, and this is due to the hard work of pupils, teaching staff and governors. We thank all our schools and pupils for their hard work and we will continue to support them in striving to raise achievement and attainment across all ages.”

Three Staffordshire primary schools merited particular praise today after a clean sweep in all three core subjects at Level 4.

St Leonard’s CE Primary in Wigginton, near ­Tamworth, Thomas Barnes Primary in Tamworth, and Richard Cross CE Primary in Kings Bromley, near Lichfield, all achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in English, maths and science.