Herefordshire Primary Schools above average in English and Science

Children in Herefordshire are well served by their schools, and show results which compare well with national figures issued by the Department for Education and Skills.

Collectively the county’s results are above the national average in English and science, although very slightly below in mathematics.  Altogether, for all three core subjects, the local authority has been performing consistently above the national average for the last four years.

The figures that chart the progress pupils make from key stage 1* to key stage 2* are broadly in line with the national average.

The council’s school improvement inspectors are continually working with schools to improve performance and this year will be focusing specifically on raising the profile of maths as a creative, exciting subject. 

The authority is funding and delivering a national one-year intensive support programme for some schools, where inspectors and consultants will work with staff in a coaching environment to improve teaching and learning.

Other plans to improve the standards in maths include the production of an activity pack and maths challenge to promote a countywide ‘magical maths’ week, culminating in a big conference for schools in the summer term.  

More able pupils will also be encouraged to reach their maximum potential through a series of special Cambridge University workshops and the promotion of a scheme called P.CAME where children work in pairs to investigate and solve mathematical problems.

Councillor Don Rule, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Herefordshire’s results reflect the hard work of teachers and school communities. 

“In terms of the ‘most improved’ league tables, we already have high standards of education in Herefordshire which makes it more difficult to show huge improvements.

“Furthermore, many of the smaller schools do not have their figures included in the summary, so the aggregate results are not truly accurate.

“However we are never complacent and the schools continually strive to deliver the best for the children and families they serve, with support from the local authority.”