Schools lagging behind key markers

YOUNGSTERS in Suffolk are behind national standards for 11-year-olds in all three core subjects of the curriculum, according to league tables out today.

Only 75per cent of youngsters who sat Key Stage 2 (KS2) examinations last year achieved the required level four in maths, compared to a national average of 77pc.

In English the figure for the county was 7pc compared to the national 80pc and in science it was 87pc compared to 88pc.

Education bosses said the results were disappointing and that they underlined the need for the ongoing school review, which will see Suffolk's middle schools start to close in 2011/12.

However, teaching unions said it was impossible to judge the quality of education on league tables and exam results alone.

Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services, said: “Although some schools have performed well, the overall picture for Suffolk is disappointing.

“We are not doing as well as we should when compared with the national picture and not surprisingly, Key Stage 2 remains a key priority for Suffolk.

“We need to raise standards in all our schools if every child and young person in Suffolk is going to fulfil their potential.”

Of the 40 middle schools in Suffolk, half improved their KS2 performance when compared to the year before, with Stoke-By-Nayland - the highest ranked in the county - moving from 58th to 13th.

Headteacher David Livingstone said: “It's a real shame because we seem to be moving forward yet we are facing closure.

“We have performed well for several years now and that's been a real benefit to all our students - I don't think that would have been reflected in a primary or secondary setting.”

Chelmondiston Primary was among the top 200 outstanding schools with the highest proportion of pupils achieving level five, which is one grade above the Government's required standard.