CHESHIRE West and Chester has an increasing number of pupils attending good or outstanding primary schools, although the figure for such secondary schools has fallen.

Ofsted’s annual report shows 86 per cent of pupils in the area attend such primary schools, five per cent up on 2013, placing the authority 12th in the region and equal 45th among the 150 English local authorities.

For secondary schools the figure is 78 per cent, four points down on 2013, placing the authority sixth in the north west and equal 65th in the country.

Launching his third annual report, Chief Inspector of Schools Sir Michael Wilshaw said primary school standards are continuing on an impressive upward trajectory, with more than eight in 10 schools now rated at least good.

The overall rate of improvement in secondary schools, however, has stalled.

A similar number of secondary schools inspected over the past 12 months improved as declined, while the number of secondary schools in special measures has risen by more than 50 compared with a year ago.

Two of the north west’s 23 local authorities have seen percentage falls for primary schools, compared with 11 for secondary schools.

Jo Morgan, Ofsted regional director for the north west, said: “It’s a credit to teachers and school leaders that the educational outcomes for children and learners in the north west are improving. Eighty-six per cent of children are now going to a primary school that is good or outstanding.

“However, the quality of provision for too many children remains a postcode lottery. There is too much variation across the region and the quality of education in secondary schools continues to lag behind primary.

“In Trafford 91 per cent of schools are good or outstanding, but in Oldham it is only 75 per cent.

“These shortcomings are hitting the region’s poorest and most disadvantaged children the hardest. White British young people from poor families are particularly getting a raw deal.

“Too much leadership is at best unfocused and at worst completely absent. Too few outstanding leaders and teachers are working in the areas which need them the most.”