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27 Feb 08Pupils Succeed At Key Stage 3
Young people in Poole schools have again performed well in national tests for 14-year-olds.
Results for 2007, published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families 
today, show pupils in Poole schools are achieving above the national average at Key Stage 3 in English, maths and science.
In English, 75 per cent of pupils in Poole gained at least Level 5 standard - the benchmark for the age group - one per cent above the national average. The percentage of pupils achieving the higher standard of Level 6 was five per cent higher than the average for England.
Results in mathematics revealed that 80 per cent of young people achieved the Level 5 benchmark - four per cent above the national average. The percentage of pupils achieving the higher standard of Level 6 was seven per cent higher than the national average.
In science, 79 per cent of pupils attained Level 5 - six per cent higher than the national average - with 49 per cent gaining Level 6, nine per cent above the average for England.
The overall results meant the average point score of 36.2 achieved by Poole schools was higher than the national average (34.9).
Stuart Twiss, Head of Children and Young People's Services (Strategy, Quality and Improvement), Borough of Poole, said: "In Poole, a higher percentage of students gained Level 5 or better than the national average in English, mathematics and science. This is very creditable and reflects well on the students themselves, their parents and the schools. The upward trend of previous years in the aggregate score for the three subjects was not continued in 2007, but we are working hard together with schools to ensure that the excellent GCSE results produced in 2007 are matched at Key Stage 3 in the future."
Cllr Tony Woodcock, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, said: "These results demonstrates the hard work of students and provides a sound basis for them to go on to achieve good results at GCSE and A-level. It is a tribute not only to the work of schools and students, but also to the support provided by parents and Borough of Poole."
The Key Stage 3 tests, which are set and marked through the National Assessment Agency, were undertaken by Year 9 students last July. The average level for the age group and the expected national standard is that students should achieve at least Level 5 or better in the tests.
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