MORE eleven-year-olds in Hull than ever are making expected progress in English and maths, according to the latest Government statistics.

However, East Riding primary school children are making below average progress in the two subjects.

Pupils are expected to make at least two levels of progress between the ages of seven and 11 in the core subjects.

In 2006, 71 per cent of the 2,989 pupils made that progress in maths compared with 80 per cent this year, which is one per cent below the national average.

In English, the percentage of pupils making the required progress has risen from 76 per cent in 2006 to 81 per cent this year, compared to the national average of 82 per cent.

Ken Sainty, Hull City Council's assistant head of service for learning, leisure and achievement for primary schools, said: "Since 2006 the number of pupils making the right level of progress from key stage one to two has increased year on year, putting us in line with the national figures.

"This shows that the additional support we have been putting into primary schools is working, but we will not become complacent and will continue to invest in the education of all our children and young people across the city."

In the East Riding, the proportion of pupils making the expected progress in English is 81 per cent, compared to the national figure of 82 per cent.

In maths, 79 per cent children made the grade, compared to 81 per cent nationally.

East Riding head of improvement and learning Mike Furbank said there has been a rise in progress in both maths and English since 2006, with a significant number of schools performing above the national average.

He said: "Promoting the best possible progress for all pupils is a key focus and schools are working collaboratively with each other and the local authority to achieve this."