MORE than nine in ten pupils across Essex now attend schools which are rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted.

New statistics from Ofsted have shown that 91.2 per cent of primary and secondary pupils now go to a school with one of the watchdog's top ratings, compared to just 84.3 per cent in 2015 and 71 per cent in 2013.

At secondary level, the statistics show that 95 per cent of pupils now attend a good or outstanding school, above the national average of 80 per cent.

At primary level, 88.2 per cent of pupils now go to schools with the top ratings, in line with the national average of 88.5 per cent.

Since February, all 19 of the county’s special schools have also been rated as good or outstanding.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “2015/16 was another fantastic academic year for schools in Essex. I would like to congratulate staff, governors and pupils on their achievements and the excellent progress being made.

“As a council we are committed to ensuring all young people in Essex receive the best possible education and I am delighted we are in a position where more than nine in ten pupils now attend a good or outstanding school."

“Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with schools, headteacher associations and other partners to strive for further improvements.”