TAKE a bow you kids! The town's 11-year-olds have recorded significant increases in this year's Key Stage Two examinations.

The core subjects of English, maths and science have seen a marked improvement in results both on figures for 1998 and against national averages for last year.

The percentage of pupils who achieved Level Four status or higher is as follows: English - 73 per cent (up on 67 per cent last year); maths - 74 per cent (62 per cent last year); and science - 82 per cent (72 per cent last year).

Education committee chairman, Andrew Bowden, said: "The figures reflect the hard work and commitment of teachers across the borough. We shall be aiming to build on these results as the children progress through their education."

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