Primary school test results improved this year with the number of 11 year olds reaching the required standard in maths and English rising, figures showed today.

In the two core subjects the proportion of schoolchildren reaching level four – the standard expected of the age group – increased by one per cent. There was no change in the proportion of children reaching the required benchmark in science.

Figures showed 81 per cent of pupils reached level four in English and 78 per cent in maths. For science the figure was 88 per cent.

Officials in the Shropshire county and Telford & Wrekin education authorities are now analysing data to see how well schools in the two areas have performed.

But today’s results have been overshadowed by on-going delays with marking this year’s tests – described by Shropshire education boss, Ann Hartley, as “diabolical and unforgivable”.

Delivery of results to schools was delayed due to problems with marking and inputting data.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said last week he had been advised that there was enough data available to go ahead with publication.

But Mrs Hartley, county council cabinet member for children’s services, has told him that the delays, which have also affected test results for 14 year olds, has caused “considerable distress” to pupils across Shropshire.

County teacher Mike Wardle, deputy head of Bridgnorth Endowed School, has also warned that schools can have no faith in a marking system which is “clearly in meltdown”.

Headteachers nationally have warned that there was still widespread concern about late or missing results and inaccuracies in marking, and suggested ministers were issuing the results “prematurely”.

A spokesman for the National Association of Headteachers said they had received more than 300 examples of maladministration and inaccuracies.

The Government has a target to get 85 per cent of 11 year olds up to level four in English and maths.

By Dave Morris