Schools get youngest children off to a good start

Latest test results for six and seven year olds in reading, writing and maths show results in Bristol are continuing to improve.

Figures released by the Department of Education today confirm progress for Bristol schools in all three subjects.

Provisional Key Stage One results show the percentage of children reaching the level expected for their age is:

Reading 87%  (83% in 2011)
Writing 82% (79% in 2011)
Maths 90%  (88% in 2011)

Performance in Bristol is also strong compared to other similar cities ('core cities'), with Bristol scoring higher than other cities in all three areas (see tables attached).

At the earliest stage of primary education, the first year of results for phonics tests for five and six year olds reveal Bristol primary schools are ahead of the national picture.

In Bristol, 60% of pupils reached the required standard, compared to 58% nationally.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: “Bristol schools are celebrating improved exam and test results at all levels this year. But for me, the improvements at the earliest stages of primary school are particularly good news. If children get off to a good start in the core subjects of reading, writing and maths, it gives them the building blocks for success in other subjects as they continue through school. We hope the success of children at this stage will feed into further improvement for Bristol schools.

“All involved in education in Bristol are determined to work together to continue to raise standards for children in the city. These latest figures show we are moving in the right direction. Congratulations to everyone whose hard work has contributed to delivering these positive results.”