THE maths abilities of secondary school pupils in most areas of Greater Manchester have fallen.

But the drop in numeracy is balanced by an improvement in English skills shown in papers taken by every 14-year-old in the country.

The national exams, known as Key Stage 3 tests, check abilities in maths, English and science.

In eight of the 10 local authorities in the region, maths results were worse than last year.

And while Manchester was one of seven councils to improve reading and writing, English results in city schools are still fourth worst in the country.

Only59 per cent of city pupils had the expected skills in reading and writing - compared with 73 per cent nationally.

Declined

Maths skills had declined, with just 60 per cent of children passing the tests compared to 63 per cent previously.

Science results, although unchanged from last year, were still among the worst in the country, with only 54 per cent passing.

Maths skills also fell in Bury (79pc), Wigan (77), Bolton (74), Tameside (71), Oldham (70), Salford (70) and Rochdale (69).

The best maths results were in Trafford, with 82 per cent of pupils getting the expected level.

This was followed by Stockport and Bury both 79 per cent.

Trafford also had best English results, with 79 per cent getting the grade, followed by Bury and Stockport (both 76), Bolton (73), Tameside (72), Wigan (71), Oldham (69), Salford (66), Rochdale (65), and Manchester (59).

The best science results were in Trafford (80pc) and Bury (78).

A teachers' union leader criticised the tests.

Martin Johnson, from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "The results totally fail as a true measure of achievement, since the grading of at least 30 per cent of students does not reflect their real ability."