MORE children have access to a top class education in Warrington than 12 months ago, new figures have revealed.

In a report, which was published by Ofsted, it stated that 84 per cent of pupils in the town are currently attending primary schools which have been rated as good or outstanding by inspectors.

The statistics also show that there are more children attending high quality institutions than there were in the previous academic year - an increase of five per cent.

Executive board member for children and young people’s services Cllr Jean Carter said: "This is a fantastic reflection of the commitment, passion and enthusiasm across our primary schools to support best possible outcomes for all children and young people.

"Our aspiration, set out in our revised School Improvement Strategy, is that all schools in Warrington are good and outstanding within three years."

The figures were released as part of chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw's annual report, which assess the outcomes of inspections from 2013 to 2014.

Jo Morgan, Ofsted regional director for the North West, welcomed the news but argued for many education remains a 'postcode lottery'.

She said: “It is a credit to teachers and school leaders that the educational outcomes for children and learners in the North West are improving.

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

She added that these shortcomings 'are hitting the region’s poorest and most disadvantaged children the hardest' but said Ofsted will continue to challenge and support underperforming schools.