SOUTHAMPTON pupils have recorded some of most improved primary school test results in the country.

The results were based on standard attainment tests (SATs) taken by 11-year-olds this year.

In Southampton there were 76 per cent of pupils who reached the expected, level 4, standard in English, 75 in maths and 87 in science. However, worryingly, almost half the boys in the city failed to meet the expected level for writing.

The results in the city were also below the national average, although were at least two percentage points better than last year in each subject.

Councillor Peter Baillie, the city council's Cabinet member for children's services and learning, said: "This is terrific news and a testament to the hard work going on in Southampton schools to give children a great education.

"I'd like to congratulate all of the pupils, teachers and parents involved in this round of SATs. The efforts they have put in have really been worth it.

"We now look forward to further improvements in future years to put Southampton at the cutting-edge of education excellence."

Schools minister Andrew Adonis called the Southampton results a "highly significant achievement". He added: "Congratulations to all pupils and teachers at primary schools in Southampton, which has seen some of the most improved results in the country.

"Children who master the basics in primary school are much more likely to go on to do well in secondary school and beyond. And the results we see in Southampton are not just a fluke, but the result of a sustained effort by teachers and heads to make sure every pupil gets the support they need to do well."

Hampshire schoolchildren fared better than the national average, with 83 per cent reaching the expected standard in English, 79 in maths and 91 in science.

Across the county, girls outperformed boys in all subjects.

Nationally the results continued a trend of gradual improvement, with an average rise of one percentage point in all subjects.

The improvement over the past year in English was one percentage point and in maths four percentage points, but national targets set for 2006 for English and maths have still not been reached.