Primary schools standards are improving across the board, according to new data released by the Department for Education. It revealed that attainment results in every subject have continued to improve, as have the results of disadvantaged pupils.

This is demonstrated in some of the figures which show that for more than half a million 11-year-olds – key stage 2 – the percentage realising the benchmark level 4 in reading, writing and maths has improved by a significant three percentage points.

Additionally, the number achieving above the expected level has also increased, up by four percentage point. News of this has been lauded by the government; with schools minister David Laws saying he was pleased with this boost.

He explained that he lauded the response of primary schools to the challenge of delivering a higher standard.

"We have raised the bar and schools have raised their game," Mr Laws expanded. "It is also encouraging to see the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers continue to narrow and parents, teachers and pupils deserve to be congratulated for their efforts."

The MP added that while these results are worth celebrating, the government acknowledges that more work is needed to enhance "simply unacceptable levels of attainment for disadvantaged pupils".

Nevertheless, there is much to be optimistic about. The data released also showed that disadvantaged youngsters are closing the attainment gap between them and their more affluent peers.

For example, the number of such pupils achieving the expected level in the 3Rs has increased by 6 percentage points over the last two years. For the same period, the gulf between the two groups has decreased by two percentage points.

"The government will continue to challenge schools to drive forward improvements,2 the DfE stated in an official press release.

"In 2016 primary schools will be judged on a new floor standard ... [and] will also be expected to have 85 per cent of their pupils reaching this higher standard in reading, writing and maths."