Government hails improvements in school standards

The government has hailed improvements in school standards following the publication of results for schoolchildren at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 showing further progress in the 3Rs.

The results for 7, 11 and 14 year olds show increases in the number achieving the expected levels in reading and maths. Some of the biggest improvements at Key Stage 2 have been seen in economically disadvantaged areas such as Hackney where English improved by 7% and Maths by 6% and Sunderland, where there was a 5% improvement in English and a 4% improvement in Maths.

Among other LEAs Hartlepool and Southampton recorded the highest improvements in both English and Maths results.

David Miliband, school standards minister, said that standards achieved by pupils in primary schools are improving again.

"We are also pleased at the progress made in maths by 14 year olds. Well done to the pupils and well done to teachers for their hard work and professionalism," he said.

"Last year I described the primary results as a platform rather than a plateau of achievement. This year primary schools have built on the platform and achieved the best ever results in English and maths. Pupils and parents can be confident that their primary schools are still getting better and better.

"Standards in all areas are improving but some of the biggest strides are in some of the poorest areas. It shows that poverty is not a barrier to success. It is a tribute to the hard work of teachers who have made this possible. We will continue to offer them targeted help and support."

(gmcg)