CLASSROOM standards in Kent's primary schools have shown further small improvements this year but remain behind the national average, the Government's latest set of league tables show.

County education chiefs welcomed the results for the tests that are taken by 11-year-olds and praised the achievements of both pupils and staff.

However, they acknowledged targets set for further improvements in English, maths and science, would prove challenging.

The results show that in Kent this year, 77 per cent of pupils achieved Level Four - which is the nationally expected benchmark - in English. That is the same as last year and in line with the national average but short of the target KCC had set of 80 per cent.

In maths, 73 per cent of pupils reached Level Four, compared with 77 per cent nationally. That was up one per cent on last year's figures but below the target of 81 per cent that KCC had set.

In science, 84 per cent of children reached Level Four, compared with 88 per cent nationally.

There were minor changes in the number of pupils reaching higher standards - the percentage reaching Level Five - in the three core subjects. In English, 32 per cent of pupils reached Level Five, a one per cent increase on last year; in maths 31 per cent; and in science 39 per cent.

The tables show that 100 per cent of pupils achieved Level Four in English, maths and science at four schools. They were Chiddingstone Primary; Penshurst Church of England Primary; Colliers Green Church of England Primary and Sholden Primary.

Schools are given a point score on the basis of their results across all subjects and taking into account the number of pupils entered for each test. A higher point score indicates a higher number of pupils reaching Level Four.

In Kent, the average point score was 27.4, compared with 27.9 per cent nationally.

There was a mixed reaction from politicians.

Cllr Chris Wells (Con), KCC cabinet member responsible for education standards, said: "These results reflect the extraordinary hard work by teachers and pupils across the whole county. We are effectively doing as well as anywhere in the country."

He said that while KCC's own targets were missed, they were realistic. "We always set targets that people will have to strive to achieve. The higher expectations people have, the more likely it is they will rise to them."

Opposition Labour spokesman Cllr Christine Angell said she was "deeply saddened" that the results had not improved significantly in view of the Government's extra investment in education.

She said: "I believe we have enthusiastic teaching team in Kent, plus children and parents who desperately want to learn, but imagination needs to be brought into the situation.

"We need to help parents and carers to reinforce work done in schools. The parents are after all the most influential people on children, with their involvement I believe things can improve."

Cllr Martin Vye, Liberal democrat spokesman at KCC, said the results indicated KCC's strategy for improving standards was falling short because money was being spent in other areas.

"KCC is trying to do too much in different directions. Making sure that children at age 11 have the necessary skills to make a success of secondary schools should be the main priority. If KCC is not providing enough money into supporting schools, they should be. Our support services are doing a good job but the job is much bigger than the resources available."