More success for Shropshire primary schools

Primary school results for last year’s national curriculum tests for 11-year-olds have been published, showing performance at an all-time high.

The key stage two tables, published on 15 December 2011, confirm the percentage of children achieving the nationally expected level four or above in English and mathematics combined, and the percentages of pupils who made expected or better than expected progress in English and mathematics separately (a calculation based upon their prior attainment at the age of seven).

Many Shropshire primary schools have achieved above the national average on all measures and the county’s overall performance was at an all-time record high.  When compared to the other councils in the West Midlands, Shropshire comes second out of 14.  When judged against a group of 11 councils described as our statistical neighbours (those with similar demography) Shropshire is also in second place overall.

Schools where 90 per cent or more of their year six pupils achieved level four or above in both English and mathematics include: Bicton CE Primary, Claverley CE Primary, Clive CE Primary, Coleham Primary, Longden CE Primary, Minsterley Primary, Mount Pleasant Primary, Radbrook Primary, St Andrew’s CE Primary in Shifnal, Sheriffhales Primary, Shifnal Primary, Whittington CE Primary and Welshampton CE Primary.

There were a number of schools where every child made expected or better than expected progress in English, including Baschurch CE Primary, Burford CE Primary, St Mary’s CE Bucknell, Myddle CE Primary, St Thomas and St Anne’s CE Primary and Weston Rhyn Primary.

All pupils at Bomere Heath CE Primary, Buildwas Primary, Cleobury Mortimer Primary, Meole Brace CE Primary, Selattyn CE Primary, Trinity CE Primary, West Felton CE Primary and Whixall CE Primary made expected or better than expected progress in mathematics.  All pupils at St George’s CE Primary, Pontesbury CE Primary, Norton in Hales CE Primary and Chirbury CE Primary achieved the accolade in both English and mathematics.

Topping the table in Shropshire were Alveley Primary School, Condover CE Primary, Kinnerley CE Primary and John Wilkinson Primary in Broseley, where the year six children achieved 100% in all three measures.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for education and skills, said:

“These outstanding results reflect the hard work of everyone within our school communities and we would like to thank teachers, support staff, parents and carers, governors, volunteers and, in particular, the children themselves for all their efforts.  The results are an all-time high for Shropshire, and everyone can be very proud of their achievements.

“The schools that have performed particularly well represent many facets of Shropshire’s primary education – rural, urban, large and small primary schools – which shows the consistency of high standards around the county.”