SCHOOL pupils in Gloucestershire have once again proved they are a brainy bunch in the latest national tests for 11-year-olds.

The confirmed Key Stage Two results for 2013 show the county is in the top third of councils nationally, coming 27th out of 150 local authorities.

Seventy-nine per cent of pupils achieved level four and above (the expected level) in all three areas - reading, writing and maths - compared to a national average of 76 per cent.

Nationally, 86 per cent of pupils achieved level four and above in reading, while 88 per cent of pupils in Gloucestershire achieved that level.

In writing, the county figure was 86 per cent compared to 84 per cent nationally, and in maths, 86 per cent of Gloucestershire pupils achieved the expected level, compared to a national average of 85 per cent.

Councillor Paul McLain, cabinet member for Children and young people, said: “It is fantastic news that, once again, Gloucestershire’s results are among the very best in the country and the south west.

“Top marks to pupils and parents for all of the hard work they are putting in at school and at home, and to our schools, which work so hard to help children reach their potential.

“It is so important that children leave their primary schools being able to read, write and do maths at the right level for their age so they can do well at secondary school and give themselves the best possible chance of moving on to further education, training or finding a good job.”