Critics say nationwide school tests are too stressful

The proportion of 11-year-olds reaching the required standard in English will rise by 1.3% to 78.3% and in maths by 1.6% to 75.6%, the Independent said.

The government, which has set a goal of 85% doing so in each subject by next year, publishes results in a fortnight.

Some 32 local education authorities took part in the survey.

Gauging progress

Critics say tests for seven, 11 and 14-year-olds in England are creating an excessive burden for pupils and teachers.

However, ministers say they provide an important gauge of children's progress and have raised standards.

The proportion of England's 11-year-olds reaching the required standard at reading increased from 67% in 1997 to 83% last year.

But the government has ordered a review of literacy teaching after a Commons education select committee report in April said a 17% failure rate was "unacceptably high".

Last year's figures showed 77% of 11-year-olds had reached the required standard in English - comprising both reading and writing - up from 75% in 2003.

Maths results saw a one percentage point increase to 74%, but the number making the grade in science fell one percentage point to 86%.

Shadow Education Secretary David Cameron said: "Despite this government's pledge to 'get the basics right' they are still falling short of their own targets.

"We need to start applying greater rigour to the education system, through the use of proven methods like phonics for reading - only then will we see real improvement in standards."

A Department for Education and Skills spokesman said no comment would be made until this year's results were published.