OFSTED bosses have announced that the north west of England is 'winning the battle against mediocrity' in the English education system but there are still more challenges ahead.

According to the north west regional report, 78 per cent of pupils in Warrington are currently attending a good or outstanding primary school.

But 22 per cent of youngsters in Warrington are unable to get access to ‘a high standard of education’ as they are currently attending a primary school that has been slammed by Ofsted as requires improvement or inadequate.

Compared to neighbouring authorities, Warrington has a significantly lower number of good and outstanding schools, according to Ofsted.

Warrington is ranked in 84th position out of 150 local education authorities in England, with Trafford in ninth, Cheshire East in 12th and St Helens at 14th.

Cheshire West is ranked in 60th position with Halton in 68th place.

The percentage of pupils attending a good or outstanding secondary school in Warrington is 75 per cent, with 25 per cent of high school students again forced to attend a school that requires improvement or is inadequate.

In terms of secondary school education, Warrington is ranked in 74th position out of 150 local education authorities in England.

Ofsted north west regional director, Michael Cladingbowl, said: “The proportion of children in primary schools judged good or better is highest in England.

“The performance of secondary schools in the north west is patchier and access to good or outstanding secondary education is a postcode lottery for too many young people. This needs to change.”

Over the last year, there has been an increase in the number of schools providing children with a good or outstanding education in the north west but Ofsted bosses say more still needs to be done.

A council spokesperson said: "Warrington Borough Council believes strongly that all children in the borough should attend schools that are good or better.

"This ambition is being delivered via Warrington’s School Improvement Strategy, through which support is identified for those schools which need to improve.

“Support for schools can be provided directly from the council or by other schools, and includes advice and training in areas such as leadership, governance and teaching.

"The council is also prepared to use its statutory powers when necessary to ensure that children receive a good standard of education.”