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Commenting on official statistics released today on pupil progression in English and maths between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, Schools Minister Diana Johnson said:

These results clearly demonstrate that our sustained investment and relentless focus on the three Rs is paying off. Tens of thousands more children than in 1997 are now leaving primary school able to read, write and add up well, and we’re now also seeing the vast majority of pupils making good progress, whatever their starting point. This is a credit to the hard work of teachers and Heads up and down the country.
 
I'm particularly pleased to see record progress in maths, with 38,000 more children improving by the expected two levels than in 2006. This is down to better assessment, teaching that is tailored to the individual pupil, and quicker intervention to stop children falling behind before it’s too late.
 
But we’re going even further to make sure every child reaches their potential and only yesterday announced a further £11.8 million to create even more primary maths specialist teachers to boost standards in this subject. This is all backed by the national roll out of the hugely successful ‘Every Child Counts’ programme along with £468 million to guarantee one-to-one tuition for children falling behind in the basics.
 
English progression over the past few years shows more stable results, and we’re working hard to get progress rising fast again through our tuition guarantee, by giving heads sole responsibility for driving their own improvement, and by introducing a new primary curriculum which has literacy and numeracy as the backbone of every lesson. Our guarantees for Gifted and Talented pupils will also make sure schools provide the best support and challenge for the highest English achievers. 
 

Further information

These slides show the local authorities in each region with the highest increases in pupil progress in English and maths.