Lewisham has come top of the class after its early years education was ranked best in the country.

Figures published by the Department of Education (DofE) show 77.5 per cent of four to five year olds were achieving a good level of development.

Covering 2013 – 2015 the figures, published last Tuesday (October 13), are the highest anywhere in England.

The statistics are well above the national average of 66.3 per cent, and beat the inner London average of 67.7 per cent.

MORE TOP STORIES Neighbouring borough Greenwich came second in England with 75 per cent.

Lewisham also topped the table with 76.5 per cent of youngsters reaching their expected level of development, while Greenwich came third with 75 per cent.

Lewisham Coun Paul Maslin, member for children and young, said: “The importance of these results cannot be underestimated – when children do well early in life it sets a pattern of lifelong learning and achievement so that every child has the very best start in life and the chance to go on to achieve great things.”

Early years provision covers children from birth to age five.