Shropshire primary schools amongst the best in the region, new tables show

Results for last summer’s national curriculum tests for 11-year-olds were published today (Thursday 15 December 2016).

New results show that Shropshire primary schools are amongst the best in the region, and achieving well nationally. A new assessment system without levels was introduced this year with pupils taking new, more rigorous SATs tests last summer. These tests are more demanding than previous years, with more expected of pupils.

The key stage two tables confirm the percentage of children achieving the nationally expected standard or above in reading, writing and mathematics combined, and the average progress scores achieved in reading, writing and mathematics separately (a calculation based on national prior attainment groups at the age of seven).

Many primary schools in the Shropshire Council area have achieved above the national average on all measures.

Reading was again very strong, with 68 per cent of pupils achieving at least the expected standard, compared to 66 per cent nationally. Writing was just below the national average, with 65 per cent of pupils achieving or exceeding the expected standard. 69 per cent of pupils reached or surpassed the standard in mathematics, which was very close to pupils nationally.

These outcomes, when compared to the other 13 local authorities in the West Midlands, place Shropshire fourth in both reading and in mathematics. When compared to 10 other similar local authorities Shropshire was ranked third in reading and second in mathematics.

Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s services with Shropshire Council, praised the efforts of children, teachers, schools and Shropshire’s wider school communities for their hard work.

She said:

“This was a particularly challenging year for both pupils and staff due to the considerable changes in assessment. We have highly committed school staff who ensure that children get the best possible start to their education and, whilst the standards they achieve in reading, writing and mathematics are only part of the picture, it is good to see Shropshire again riding high in the West Midlands.
“The proportion of pupils attaining the new, more demanding expected standard exceeded national expectation in the key skill of reading and was similar to expectation in writing and maths. This provides pupils with a firm foundation on which to build their future educational success.”

Further information

The above is based on unvalidated data prior to Thursday 15 December 2016, taken from SFR 39/2016 published 01/09/16