After a bumper year last year – when SAT Key Stage 1 results for seven-year-olds equalled or surpassed the national average – the figures have shown a slight dip.

But teachers say they are delighted with the marks and are committed to driving up the results once again.

Reading results had dropped two points to 82 per cent, reaching the expected Level 2. Writing dropped three to 77 per cent, but maths and science dropped by just one to 89 per cent and 88 per cent respectively.

National results have remained the same as the previous two years' figures.

Coun Jim Foreman, lead member for children and young people, said: "These are impressive results and come on the back of strong performance in GCSE, A-levels and at Key Stage 2.

"Our children and young people continue to do us proud, and I'd like to thank them for their hard work.

"Credit must also go to staff, parents and carers for supporting our children through this important stage of their education."

He added: "Educational achievement in South Tyneside has improved significantly in recent years, and we are looking at innovative ways of building on the steps we have made.

"We are involved in the Making Good Progress pilot scheme, which is aimed specifically at improving children's progress between the ages of seven and 14."

Under the Making Good Progress pilot, borough schoolchildren are being given the chance to take tests when they are ready for them.

Rather than having to wait until the end of the key stages at ages seven, 11 and 14, pupils are allowed to sit more frequent, shorter tests.

South Tyneside Council is one of only 10 authorities in the country chosen to pilot the scheme, which is aimed at improving children's progress between the ages of seven and 14.

It also sees children who aren't making enough progress being offered one-to-one tuition.