MORE children in Bolton are making the grade in the 3Rs ­— but nearly 40 per cent of children are leaving primary school without the required level in reading, writing and mathematics.

Provisional figures released by the Department for Education show that 64 per cent of Year Six pupils reached the expected level in the core subjects in this summer’s Key Stage Two national curriculum tests, known as SATs.

This was up from 61 per cent in 2017.

This year’s pass rate was in line with both the national and North West average.

Girls outperformed boys, with 68 per cent reaching the expected standard compared to 61 per cent of boys reflecting the national picture.

The percentage of pupils reaching a higher than expected standard stood at 10 per cent, in line with the national average and higher than the North West average of nine per cent.

Again, performed better in the tougher tests, with 11 per cent making the grade, better than the national average of nine per cent. Eight per cent of boys passed the harder tests in line with the national average and better than the North West average of seven percent.

A breakdown of the figures shows that children performed best in grammar, punctuation and spelling with 78 per cent meeting the grade.

Reading was the poorest subject with 73 per cent reaching the expected level ­— below the local and national average of 75 per cent ­— and 76 per cent passed maths.

Executive cabinet member for education, schools, safeguarding and looked after children, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, said: “Once again, we are delighted the provisional figures show the percentage of children in Bolton achieving the expected level in reading, writing and mathematics has increased compared to last year.

“We are pleased to be in line with the national and regional averages and note that the percentage of children reaching a higher level of achievement has also increased.

“It is especially encouraging that the proportion of children reaching the expected reading standards has increased by four per cent.

“These improvements are testament to the hard work of our teachers and school leaders, and I would like to congratulate all the Key Stage Two pupils on their achievements.”