I am most encouraged by the positive response of schools and the signs of improved teaching

Mike Tomlinson, Chief Inspector of Schools

Since last September, all schools in England have followed the strategy.

Ofsted's report - which deals with 64 schools where the scheme was piloted - said teaching had improved in most cases, due to better-organised lessons and a faster pace of work.

It also said pupils had achieved more - though not in all cases.

Another area of weakness identified was in schemes designed to help low-achieving children catch up with their class mates.

Inspectors said the results were "disappointing".

Targets

The Chief Inspector of Schools, Mike Tomlinson said: "I am most encouraged by the positive response of schools and the signs of improved teaching.

"The pilot schools have found the strategy's frameworks and other support helpful."

The government targeted the teaching of 11 to 14-year-olds because of fears that progress being made in primary schools, through the literacy and numeracy hours, was not being built on when children moved on to secondary school.

The Education Secretary Estelle Morris said she was pleased with the results of the pilot: "Ofsted's report on the pilot is particularly welcome as it supports our decision to develop Key Stage Three into a national strategy to raise standards for 11- to 14-year olds.

The Ofsted report shows how far we have to go

Damian Green, Conservatives' education spokesman

"The first few years of secondary education had been characterised by a lack of progress for a number of years, a situation that could not be allowed to continue."

The Conservatives say the government is guilty of complacency.

Education spokesman Damian Green said he was worried by the shortage of maths teachers and the poor results for less-able pupils.

"Once again this shows that the government's complacency over teacher numbers is misplaced," he said.

"In the key subject of maths, even a flagship policy like this is being undermined because too many teachers are leaving the profession early, discouraged by the unnecessary burdens the Government puts on them.

"I welcome attempts to improve performance in the early years of secondary school, but the Ofsted report shows how far we have to go.'