Schools in Suffolk are continuing to improve and gradually beginning to claw up the performance tables, bosses at the official education watchdog Ofsted have said.
According to the findings of an annual report published today, almost nine in ten (89%) of primary schools in the county are ranked good or outstanding.
Those in Essex are ranked particularly highly, placing fourth in the east of England with 94% judged as good or outstanding.
But Suffolk is named as the only county in the east of England failing to meet the national level of 81%.
Just 74% of secondary schools in the county are ranked as good or outstanding by the watchdog.
In comparison, 94% of secondary schools in Essex had at least a good rating.
Gusford Primary School in Ipswich is also named as one of only 135 in England and Wales that have failed to achieve the benchmark since 2005.
Ofsted East of England Director Paul Brooker said: “From the youngest children to those of school age, the region overall serves its children well.
“Inspection outcomes for childminders, nurseries and pre-schools are positive, the proportion judged good or outstanding is at or above the national figures.
“Nine out of 10 primary schools in the region have been judged to be good or outstanding. “And the majority of our 11 authorities in the region are at or above the national figure for the proportion of primary schools rated good or better.
But he added: “Norfolk and Suffolk have, from five years ago, come from quite a low starting point and they are gradually clawing up the performance table and the inspections reflect that.
“At secondary level, all local authorities bar Suffolk, are at or above the national level for the proportion that are rated at least good.”
The report also found that by the end of August 2017, 90% of schools in the region were judged good or outstanding at their most recent inspection, compared with 89% nationally. Mr Brooker added: “There are some key positives in the region, particularly for young children and school-age pupils.
“Ofsted inspections is a force for improvement and I am determined to make sure that outcomes for young people and learners improve as we approach 2018.”
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