There has been a modest increase in the last year in the number of pupils who are leaving primary school with a solid grasp of the traditional so-called 'three Rs', as more schools start to see success in these disciplines. 

In 2015, 80 per cent of Year 6 pupils across the country achieved Level 4 in maths, reading and writing, which marked an increase on the 78 per cent who achieved the same a year ago, according to the report from the Department for Education. 

When it comes to the same figure for disadvantaged pupils, positive growth also continued in the last year, with 70 per cent achieving their level four in these three disciplines, compared to 67 per cent in 2014.

The Department for Education said that there are now 90,000 more pupils with a good grounding in maths, reading and writing when compared to 2010. 

It added that the results showed schools across the country were "rising to the challenge of raised standards and expectations for all pupils".

The SATs data released by the government also shows that the number of schools that are failing in general is starting to drop as standards rise across the country. 

In the report, the government said some 676 schools are now below its "floor standard" for education provision. This is a fall, however, of some 92 when compared to the 768 reported to be below this level a year ago. Schools are judged to be failing if fewer than 65 per cent of their pupils are achieving their Level 4 in maths, reading and writing. 

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: "It is essential that every child leaves primary school having mastered the basics in reading, writing and maths - thanks to our education reforms, thousands more pupils each year are reaching those standards. 

"The increased performance at primary level across the country demonstrates how this government is delivering on its commitment to provide educational excellence everywhere and ensure every child benefits from the best possible start in life, no matter where they come from."