Primary school tests show schools rising to the challenge

Results published today (4 July 2017) show that the percentage of children achieving the expected standard in primary school has risen.

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The national key stage 2 results show that 61% of primary school children in England achieved the expected standard, compared to 53% last year.

This year’s results are the second to be released following the introduction of a more rigorous curriculum in September 2014 that raises the bar in terms of expectations of young people’s mastery of literacy and numeracy, bringing the primary school curriculum in line with the best in the world.

Today’s results show

  • 61% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared to 53% last year

  • 71% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, compared to 66% last year

  • 75% of pupils met the expected standard in mathematics, compared to 70% last year

  • 77% of pupils met the expected standard in grammar, punctuation and spelling, compared to 73% last year

  • 76% of pupils met the expected standard in writing, compared to 74% last year

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said:

'Today’s results show sustained progress in reading, writing and maths and are a testament to the hard work of teachers and pupils across England. Thanks to their commitment and our new knowledge rich curriculum, thousands more children will arrive at secondary school having mastered the fundamentals of reading, writing and maths, giving them the best start in life.'

The new national curriculum and reformed qualifications – at primary and at secondary – are designed to ensure pupils receive the education that they need to go as far as their talents will take them.

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