Primary Schools improve national test results

Children in the county's primary schools are achieving higher standards in their education according to provisional key stage two results for 2007 which are the best Herefordshire has ever seen.

At the end of key stage two when a child reaches the age of 11, they are assessed and awarded a level on the national curriculum scale. The tests check out their learning in English, maths and science and provide a baseline for their transition to secondary school. The target is for each child to achieve level four although children who do particularly well can achieve level five.

The results show that this year, Herefordshire children performed above the national average. In English 81 per cent of the children achieved level four or above and, in line with the national average in mathematics, 77 per cent achieved level four or above.

Performance at level five in all subjects is outstanding, both in terms of actual attainment and improvements. Overall, there is a four per cent improvement on last year's results, with boys doing particularly well. Boys' performance in level five in English has shown a dramatic seven per cent improvement and a five per cent increase in mathematics, putting Herefordshire into the top 25 of local authorities nationally.

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The council's school improvement team have been providing schools with lots of help and support with subject consultants helping targeted schools to raise standards.

"Congratulations to the staff, governors and pupils who have worked hard together to make sure our children's education not only meets, but exceeds national standards."