Herefordshire schools out-perform national average

Results published this week show that Herefordshire schools have once again performed above the national average in key stage three tests.

The tests are taken in English, mathematics and science by high school pupils at the end of year nine to make sure students continue to improve their learning at an appropriate rate. The government expects most young people in this age group to achieve level five or above in all three subjects.

The publication of results for 2007 shows that overall, Herefordshire pupils achieved four percent above the national average at level five plus, and four percent above the national average at level six plus.

Included in the results are measures of progress made by pupils between key stage two (primary school) and key stage three (high school, year nine). Weobley High School, John Kyrle High School and Sixth Form College and The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School results show that in all three subjects their pupils have made significant progress compared to the national average.

Weobley High School did particularly well improving on last year's level six plus results by eleven percent in English and seventeen percent in science.

Results from Wyebridge Sports College improved on average by more than five percent since 2006, and by eleven percent in English.

Sharon Menghini, director for children's services, said: "Our schools continue to perform above the national average, despite the county's extremely low levels of funding.

"We have some of the country's top performing schools in Herefordshire. Our children enjoy good quality education and go on to achieve academic success. However measuring performance is not just about exam results so it is pleasing to note many schools show significant improvement in the value added section of the results. It is this section that shows continuing improvement from primary school to year nine in high school.

"Well done to all the schools and thanks to the pupils and staff who have worked hard to yet again, produce such excellent results. Let's build on these successes and continue the upward trend."