High scores for boys in school Sats tests

By Kelly Eve Education reporter

Last updated 05:39, Friday, 08 August 2008

CUMBRIAN primary school pupils – particularly boys – continue to improve in Sats tests for 11-year-olds, according to figures published this week.

But results from almost 800 English, maths and science papers sat by local children in May were not included in the data, released by the Government after widespread problems with the marking.

More than 5,600 year six pupils in Cumbria completed key stage two Sats in May.

Of those, 95 per cent of English papers, 98 per cent of maths papers and 93 per cent of science papers were included among the data, released on Tuesday.

It meant 260 pupils had not received their English results, 117 had yet to get their maths results and 399 were waiting for science results when national data was compiled.

Despite the problems, the provisional results were published as planned after qualification watchdogs deemed the quality of marking of the National Curriculum tests satisfactory.

Cumbria’s children and schools have been praised for their efforts as figures show year six pupils have outperformed compared with regional and national averages.

Peter McGaw, head of school improvement, added that it was disappointing that their achievements had been overshadowed by delays in the new marking system, which is now subject to the independent Sutherland inquiry.

In Cumbria, 84 per cent of 11-year-olds who sat the English paper reached the level four benchmark – the level they are expected to achieve for their age. It was up one per cent on last year’s figure. The north west average is 82 per cent and national average 81 per cent.

Meanwhile, 82 per cent of Cumbria’s year six children reached level four or above in their maths tests compared with the north west average of 80 per cent and national figure of 78 per cent.

Last year, Cumbria’s average was 80.8 per cent.

And in science, nine out of 10 local year six children achieved level four or above, slightly less than last year’s 90.8 per cent. The regional figure is 89 per cent and nationally it is 88 per cent.

Mr McGaw, praising schools, staff, parents and pupils, said: “The initial snapshot of key stage two performance in Cumbria certainly looks encouraging.

“Cumbria has outperformed both the north west region and the national averages in all of the key subjects of English, maths and science.

“Boys are continuing to improve and in Cumbria they’ve also outperformed national figures for 11-year-old boys.”

He added: “However it’s a shame the hard work of young people and teachers has been overshadowed by the problems and delays in marking.

“Congratulations should go to each and every one for trying their best and working so hard.”

A more precise picture will emerge later this year when provisional figures are validated. Remarking appeals can still be lodged until the middle of September.

Following the problems, it is predicted the number of reviews requested will be higher than normal.

Cumbrian schools have reported a range of problems including results not matching predicted outcomes, unmarked papers, lack of consistency and problems with a new central website.

The marking of key stage three papers, sat by 14-year-olds, also in May, have been hit by severe problems too.

Initial attainment figures for are due to be published next Tuesday.