PRIMARY schools in Suffolk had mixed fortunes in today's controversial league tables.For the first time, figures of how many 11-year-olds reached Level 5 in English, maths and science – above the government's target of Level 4 in the Standard Assessment Tests (Sats) – were released.

PRIMARY schools in Suffolk had mixed fortunes in today's controversial league tables.

For the first time, figures of how many 11-year-olds reached Level 5 in English, maths and science – above the government's target of Level 4 in the Standard Assessment Tests (Sats) – were released.

Pupils improved their results in English and science at Key Stage 2, with science continuing to be the county's strongest subject.

But a teaching union and headteachers believe the move increases pressure on schools to maintain or beat targets at the expense of other areas of a child's education.

Ian Crissell, headteacher of Combs Middle School, said: "The problem with data such as this and league tables is that they have no context.

"Schools promote many qualities and skills which cannot be measured but which are equally important."

Martin Goold, Suffolk secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: "Our aim is to do away with the Sats and replace them with moderated teacher assessment.

"This is far more accurate in describing what a child can actually do rather than what a child has actually been taught to do, say and write in tests."

Tony Lewis, of Suffolk County Council, praised both teachers and pupils on the improvements achieved.

He said: "A lot of hard work has gone into making sure that our young people have the core skills they need to succeed in later education, and these results show that we are making progress in these areas.

"We will of course continue to target our experts at those areas where we would like to see more improvement."

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www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables