FOUR in five children in Worcestershire are at schools that are regarded as good or outstanding.

Ofsted's annual report showed that 88 per cent of children in the county were at schools who had achieved the watchdog's top rankings in 2014.

For primary schools the figure was one point down on the previous year but the number of good and outstanding primary schools in Worcestershire was still in the top third of local authorities nationally.

Worcestershire was joint 48th for primary schools reaching the top rankings out of the 150 local authority areas rated by Ofsted.

For secondary schools, the same figure of 88 per cent of children were at top ranking schools but that was a rise of five points on the previous year.

Worcestershire appeared to be bucking the trend that shows those living in the North and Midlands make five percentage points less progress from Key Stage 2 to 4 in English and six points less progress in maths.

They are also four percentage points behind in achieving five GCSEs grades A* to C, including English and maths.

In fact, the county was joint 34th in a table of 150 local authority areas for secondary schools which were ranked as good and outstanding.

Councillor John Campion, cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: "It is hugely important that the education provided for children and young people in Worcestershire is of the highest standard. "We welcome the news that 88 per cent of Worcestershire's primary schools are rated as either 'good' or 'outstanding', and are extremely proud of being ranked in the top 30 per cent nationally.

"Our aim is to maintain and further improve upon these high standards, and we will continue working to give Worcestershire's children the best possible start in life."

Anne Potter, headteacher of Stanley Road Primary School, said: "To be in the top third nationally when we are one of the lowest funded authorities in the country is quite amazing.

"In Worcestershire, our group working is very strong.

"The primary schools are in clusters and we work together very well.

"We are sharing training. We really do support each other."