TRIBUTE has been paid to primary schools in South Craven and across North Yorkshire after impressive provisional SATS results.

Initial figures show that the proportion of pupils attaining the national standard at Key Stage 2 has increased by seven per cent.

In the reading test, the number rose by more than six per cent to 71 per cent.

Overall, 59 per cent of pupils achieved the national standard or higher in the headline measure for reading, writing and mathematics combined. The figure represents an increase of over seven per cent.

"We are very proud of these results," said County Councillor Patrick Mulligan, executive member for schools.

"They are testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils, teaching staff and families.

"These are provisional results, but they show that North Yorkshire is a place where children can thrive and where there is ambition to achieve the highest standards of teaching and learning."