SOUTHEND pupils are outperforming the national average in test results for almost all key stages, a report suggests.

And they may only be missing out on leading the way in GCSE results because the new grading system means results have not yet been finalised.

The report, by Southend Council’s director of learning Brin Martin, will be discussed at a cabinet meeting next week, although the full results will not be in the public domain until autumn.

James Courtenay, councillor for children and learning, said: “This report highlights how in almost all key stages, Southend pupils continue to outperform the national averages, in some cases increasing at a higher rate than all schools nationally.

“Pre-school results are up, Key Stage 1 results are up, and by the end of primary school, 65 per cent of Southend pupils are achieving or exceeding the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, significantly above the national average of 61 per cent.

“This is an increase of 9.2 percentage points compared with 2016.

“Southend schools are 26th out of 151 local authorities, our best-ever result.

“These improvements show that we are working hard to put young children in the best place to go forward to secondary education and I am particularly proud of this achievement.

“At the end of secondary school while there has been a significant change in the way GCSE results are measured, this change has not stopped our youngsters continuing to improve, with 72.3 per cent of pupils achieving the new benchmark of 4+ in the combined subjects.

“Education from start to finish in Southend continues to both improve and outperform against national benchmarks.

“The council works closely with schools and other providers through the Southend Education Board, where we are all able to work together to continue to improve the education we provide the adults of the future.

“Our nurseries, schools and colleges are not only performing well, but improving this performance year on year. Well done to all involved.”

In the Early Years, the percentage of pupils achieving a good level of development is 74.3 per cent, compared with 70.7 per cent nationally.

In Key Stage Two (junior primary) 65 per cent achieved the expected standard or above in combined reading test, writing TA and maths test compared with 61 per cent nationally.

In Key Stage Four (secondary CGSE), the results have only just been announced and the headline results may still change.

But indications are that 72.3 per cent of pupils achieved the new benchmark of 4+ in the combined subjects.

This is compared with 69 per cent for the similar measure last year.

Last year, the national figure was 63 per cent.