SCHOOL standards across North Yorkshire are continuing to rise, says South Craven MP Julian Smith.

He says 28 more schools are now rated good or outstanding, compared with 2010.

And he added that to help teachers and leadership teams build on the progress, schools in the county would receive a Government funding boost of more than £7 million over the next year.

Mr Smith said more children were now studying – and doing well in – core academic subjects.

The proportion of children in North Yorkshire passing all components of the English Baccalaureate – including English, maths, the sciences and a language – has risen by seven per cent since 2011.

"Our teachers do a fantastic job and it is a testament to their hard work – combined with Government reforms – that more children in North Yorkshire are gaining the knowledge and skills they need to succeed whatever they choose to do," said Mr Smith.

"A broad and balanced curriculum opens doors for young people as they leave school, and it is fantastic to see that more local children are taking the vital subjects that will give them options as they plan their careers.

"There is more to do, but with the attainment gap narrowing and a record number of children attending good schools, our reforms are ensuring that more young people are being given the opportunity to succeed."