'No complacency' on Dumfries and Galloway school report
The number of staff absences and pupil exclusions from schools across Dumfries and Galloway has fallen, according to the latest standards report.
The quality report for 2008/9 was presented to the authority's education committee.
Sandra McDowall, who chairs the committee, said it was "great to see such an improvement in attainment".
However, she said school services would not be complacent and would seek to "continue to improve".
"There are still some areas we need to focus on closely to ensure every child in the region receives the best education possible," she said.
"However, the schools are generally doing better than national averages.
"I believe we have some of the best schools in Scotland."