Thurrock primary schools continue to improve as the latest government league tables show they have leaped above the national average.

The Department of Education figures show that in 2014, 77 per cent of school pupils across Thurrock achieved a level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths – up from 71 per cent in 2012.

The 6% surge in performance outranked a national improvement of only 4% over the same period.

Council leader John Kent, who is also education portfolio holder, said of the figures: “We know how well we’re doing - but it is great to be recognised nationally. This not only highlights all the great work going on in our schools, it is a chance for us to celebrate our successes.”

Stand-out examples were Horndon-on-the-Hill CofE Primary School which leapt from 44 per cent attainment in 2012 to 90 per cent in 2014.

The figures follow the Gazette’s report earlier this month which revealed 74 per cent of Thurrock youngsters were getting a “good” or “outstanding” primary school education.

Thurrock also officially climbed 25 places in Ofsted’s primary school rankings, to 122nd out of 150.

Following the report, Cllr Kent said he wanted even higher standards in schools and was aiming for 100 per cent of youngsters to be in a good or outstanding school.