School test results spark fresh row

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The national results showed a 1% increase in the number of 11-year-olds reaching the required standard in English and maths.

But more than a third are still leaving primary school without grasping the finer points of reading, writing and maths. And the number of high-flying pupils getting better-than-expected results has fallen in all three core subjects - English, maths and science.

Schools minister Jim Knight welcomed the results and said he had "confidence" in them, despite the marking shambles which has overshadowed this year's tests. He said more than 90% of data had been available, making it "statistically reliable".

In total, 101,000 more 11-year-olds were now achieving the target level in English - and 93,000 more in maths - than in 1997, he said.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said today's results were reliable "at a national level". But she added: "This doesn't say much, however, as the reliability of the test results has always been too low to provide accurate comparisons between schools."

She said ATL would continue to campaign for teacher assessment to replace national testing.

John Bangs, head of education at the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said he still did not understand why the tests had been published. He said: "While the reliability of the Key Stage 2 results has to be treated with a massive pinch of salt, there is no evidence of a decline in standards. Despite this year's chaos, primary schools are doing well."

He added that instead of publishing the results, the Government "should have taken the opportunity to ask Lord Sutherland to conduct a fundamental review of the entire, flawed testing system".

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said the results showed "steady and sustained progress" which reflected the hard work of teachers and pupils.