GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 14-year-olds have some of the best results in the country in Key Stage 3 results announced yesterday.

Councillor Joan Nash, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for schools, said: "I would like to congratulate the pupils and their teachers on these outstanding results. We are the 19th highest performing local authority, and are in the top 13 per cent nationally.

"The pupils have made excellent progress and I would like to thank teachers, parents and carers for the hard work and support they have given to provide the teaching and encouragement for the children."

Eighty per cent of pupils reached at least level 5 in English, 81 per cent in maths and 79 per cent in science. These results are well above national averages.

Attainment at higher levels also exceeded national averages. In science, 51 per cent of pupils achieved at least level 6, 11 per cent above the national average, and in English and maths, results were 8 per cent above the national average.

Cllr Nash said the council was not complacent and would continue to work with schools to make improvements by setting challenging targets, addressing areas of underperformance and encouraging students to be active participants in their learning.