Two-fifths (39%) of primary school pupils in England have failed to meet the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, figures show. The results are from national curriculum tests, often known as Sats, sat by 11-years-olds earlier this term. In total, 61% did reach the expected level in the "three Rs", an improvement on last year's score of 53%. Ministers praised the hard work of schools, but head teachers said the results showed only a partial picture.
The results show:
l 61% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared with 53% last year
l 71% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, compared with 66% last year
l 75% of pupils met the expected standard in mathematics, compared with 70% last year
l 77% of pupils met the expected standard in grammar, punctuation and spelling, compared with 73% last year
l 76% of pupils met the expected standard in writing, compared with 74% last year
This year's cohort was the second to sit new tougher tests in line with a new national curriculum introduced in 2014. Last year, the percentage of primary school leavers making the grade fell to 53% from 80% in 2015. The results of the tests are used by the government to measure primary schools' success, in so-called league tables.
