Official figures for last year's standard assessment tests for primary schools put Doncaster six aggregate points ahead of closest county rivals Rotherham, but still eight points short of the national average.

And 23 per cent of them are still failing to meet the requirements for writing ability.

Aggregate scores for Doncaster – combining the percentages of pupils meeting the expected standard in each of reading, writing, maths, and science – put Doncaster on 335, ahead of Rotherham on 329, Sheffield on 328 and Barnsley with 327. The national figure is 343.

Girls in the borough outperformed boys in all subjects, most notably writing, where 82 per cent of girls reached the expected standard compared to 73 per cent of boys.

In Doncaster, 82 per cent reached expected standards for reading, 77 for writing, 89 for maths, and 87 for science.

It compares with national scores of 80 for writing, 84 in reading, 90 in maths, and 89 for science.

Coun Edwin Simpson, Doncaster Council's Liberal Democrat leader and a former chairman of the borough's education overview and scrutiny committee said: "I'm delighted that the hard work of the teachers and the schools have continued to prepare our children for the national tests. But whether they need to be tested at that age is a national debate.

"I'm pleased that they're top in South Yorkshire and it is congratulations to all involved. Programmes have been put in place to achieve that.

"The target of reaching a national average has been with the authority since 2000 and delighted that we are getting close to that. I think it is a target that is attainable and every encouragement should be made to achieve that."

Mayor Martin Winter said: "I am pleased that Doncaster has come out on top in South Yorkshire and we have maintained our good performance. We will never become complacent and I am determined to drive the results up further. Education has been my number one priority since I became Mayor and with our Building Schools for the Future programme, with the Government's support, we are transforming the learning environment for our young people across the borough."

Conservative leader Coun Patricia Schofield said: "I think we should strive for the highest possible standards. I'm sure most teachers do this but it doesn't seem to be achieving the national average at the moment, which is a pity."