YOUNG pupils are celebrating after clocking up impressive results in reading tests.

Reception pupils at Colchester High School all achieved a reading age of a year above where they should be, while 70 per cent are working 18 months above their age.

The highest performing youngster managed to achieve a reading age of four years above where they should be.

Head of the lower school Catherine Bickersteth said she was delighted with the results in the Hertfordshire tests and credited the school's read, write, inc programme.

She said: "I am so proud of our reception children for such incredible progress during their first year of school.

"These results are testament to their hard work and the success of our read, write, inc phonics programme.

"Read, write, inc is used from nursery through prep school and provides such a fun and simulating introduction to each child’s formative learning."