PRIMARY school children in Sussex have raised standards in science and English but fallen behind in maths, according to new figures.

Figures were unveiled today for the percentage of pupils aged ten and 11 hitting Government targets.

The biggest success story is in West Sussex where Holy Trinity Primary School in Lower Beeding gained a hat-trick of 100 per cent pass rates at the required level in all three core subjects.

Denise Sillett, headteacher of the school, said: "All year groups in every school are different but we always manage to make ours a success. The support of parents is invaluable and we pride ourselves on working as a team."

English and science results in Brighton and Hove are up on last year at 60.3 per cent and 66.5 per cent respectively but maths figures are down 0.4 per cent to 54 per cent. And the subjects are below the national averages of 64.1 per cent, 68.6 per cent and 57.9 per cent respectively for the second year running.

In East Sussex, gains have also been recorded in English and science. Maths is down but the level is still above the national average.

The schools which come off worse in the figures are those in socially deprived areas such as Brighton's Moulsecoomb and Whitehawk estates.

Some of those schools have hit back saying the results are not a true reflection of the progress made with the children.

Len Hodkinson, acting headteacher of Moulsecoomb Junior School, said: "We certainly make a lot of progress with the children but for many it might not be up to the standard recognised by the Government."

Angela O'Brien, headteacher of St Bernadette's RC Primary in Preston Road, Brighton, said: "We are pleased to have scored well in these tests but they are just one indicator of a school's success."

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