58,700 pupils are failing to reach Level 2 - the standard expected of the age group - in math, while 104,700 pupils are failing to do the same in writing. One in six seven year olds or 84,000 pupils are failing to reach the adequate standards in reading, according to new figures released by the Department of Education.

These figures are based on teacher assessments in English primary schools, which were earlier conducted through the SATs exam.  The figures also reflect wide gender gap as well as regional variations.

In Richmond, in South West London, where pupils tend to come from more affluent families - 92% of chilren met the expected standards in reading while 94% made the grade in science.  In contrast, in Nottingham, where a third of the children are eligible for free school meals, the results were far worse.  

Only 77% of students in Nottingham could read at the expected level and 83% met the required standards in science.  

The gender gap was revealing too in the data released by the DfE.  Boys seem to lagging behind girls in all areas and the gap is widest in writing levels where 24% of boys failed to make the grade compared to only 13% of girls.

The schools minister Nick Gibb has said these results are unacceptable especially the gap between rich and poor students.

"In spite of the hard work of teachers and pupils, today's results show that there are still too many seven-year-olds not reaching the expected level in these important subjects. We need to make sure that government gives schools the support they need to get the basics right," he said.

"These results also show an unacceptable attainment gap between local authorities where we know there are a high proportion of children on free school meals, and richer areas.

"Tackling educational inequality is our top priority, and our pupil premium will provide support for the poorest pupils in our schools."

The Government would use it pupil premium, he pledged to ensure that the gap is reduced.