A TRUST has spoken of its delight after latest SATs results "bucked the national trend".

Northern Education Trust says 70 per cent of its pupils achieved the expected standard or above in reading, writing and maths – 11 percentage points above the national average.

The Key Stage Two attainment figures are the first since 2019.

In all areas, national averages were exceeded by the trust – reading 79 per cent (compared to 74 per cent nationally), writing 77 per cent (69 per cent) and maths 78 per cent (71 per cent).

Jane Wilson – for Northern Education Trust, which includes Merlin Top Primary in Keighley – said: "Current Key Stage Two students experienced huge disruption to their learning during the pandemic, which had a profound impact on primary-aged children and their families.

"Our staff have worked incredibly hard to mitigate these enormous challenges and we have put many measures in place to ensure our students have not been disadvantaged in the long term.

"We are therefore absolutely delighted with our results, which are testament to the commitment and determination of staff, students and their families. This is an amazing achievement, and we extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone."