Children in their first years at school are making good progress, according to a report.

The number of Brighton and Hove children reaching level 2 in Key Stage 1 spelling and science tests for seven year olds rose three per cent last year.

There was also a one per cent improvement in maths, bringing the number of children attaining level 2 up to 91 per cent, higher than the national average.

In reading, the results remained steady at 81 per cent but the number of children gaining advanced levels increased.

Education Cabinet councillor Frieda Warman-Brown said: "Children in their first years at school are making excellent progress.

"We have invested in the early years of education to give children the best start at school.

"We will also continue to support schools at every level so they can focus on raising standards for pupils of all ages."

Key Stage 3 results for 14 -year-olds also showed improvements, making Brighton and Hove the best of 17 education authorities in a government pilot scheme.

The biggest improvement was in science, with pupils gaining level 5 up by eight per cent.

There has been a three per cent improvement in the number of students gaining five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C since 1997.

At A-level, average point scores rose in all four Brighton and Hove schools with sixth forms last year.

The report, detailing school results from age seven to A-level, will be discussed at the policy and resources committee on Wednesday, January 23.