Statistics released by the Scottish Government reveal that there has been a decrease in primary school pupils achieving Curriculum for Excellence levels in South Lanarkshire.
The report published on December 14 shows a reduction in school children gaining expected Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) achievements in the area from 2020/2021.
The statistics presented are based on professional teacher judgement; the CfE is the national curriculum used from nursery to secondary school in Scotland.
Statistics for the year 2020/21 show the percentage of pupils achieving the CfE level relevant to their stage in primary one, four and seven combined.
For reading, 79 per cent of students are working at the level they should, and 73 per cent of pupils are achieving the relevant level in writing.
For listening and talking, 85 per cent of pupils have achieved the relevant level with 78 per cent in numeracy.
There were no calculated levels between 2019 and 2020 due to the pandemic forcing schools to close from March 2020 until the end of the academic year.
Due to this, schools in the area were closed on the planned census date of June 8, therefore it was decided that it would not be possible to collect relevant data that was fit for purpose.
In comparison to the recent statistics published, figures from 2018/19 show where the decrease in levels have arisen from.
From 2018/2019, 79 per cent of pupils in South Lanarkshire achieved the relevant CfE level in reading, with 75 per cent in writing.
For listening and talking, 86 per cent of students achieved the relevant level along with 79 per cent in numeracy.
These statistics show a small drop in writing, listening and talking and numeracy between 2018/19 and 2020/21.
A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: "These latest statistics reinforce our belief that our primary schools continue to make very good progress and provide excellent learning environments for local children.
"Parents will be reassured to see that local performance is better than the Scottish average in almost all key areas, including reading, writing and numeracy, but our schools also put an emphasis on pupil wellbeing and nurturing confidence.
"It is also important to remember that statistical data alone is not a measure of how well a school is doing. Schools are unique and should be looked at on an individual basis and not in a league table format. The council will continue to support our schools and pupils as we strive to improve lives and life prospects across South Lanarkshire."