News

The Borough of Poole has published the table of results for the National Curriculum Assessments of 11 year olds that took place in Poole schools last May.  Test results for 11 year olds in Poole have risen steadily over recent years; results for 2001 show improvements in Science but slightly lower results in English and Maths.

Jeff Hart, Head of School Advice and Support Services, Borough of Poole, said: "We know that children in Poole work hard to achieve Level 4 or better by the end of their primary years and the majority succeeded this year. However we are concerned about the pupils who achieved only the lower levels. Whilst some children are doing well to gain these levels, we are all working hard to ensure that the maximum number reach the national average or above. The Borough is not complacent about standards in schools and staff have been in discussion with schools about support for raising attainment further."

He added: "The tables record assessment in English, Mathematics and Science which, while important, are only a small part of the work of pupils and teachers in schools. We must also remember the other subjects and aspects of learning being covered and the wider achievements gained at every age range."

Councillor Mrs Sandra Moore, Chairman of the Learning Policy Advisory Group, said: "I am optimistic about the development of the Borough's Education service and we must congratulate the children who worked so well for their assessments. We aim to give all our pupils every support for their future learning and the focus in Poole is very much on school improvement. Standards must be improved for 11 year olds to provide a good base for children's success in later years as they move towards GCSE."

The booklet, detailing the DfES Primary School Performance Tables, is available from local libraries.