SCHOOLS Minister David Laws has written to several primary schools in the North East congratulating them on their exam success.
The letter was sent to schools which achieved a 100% pass rate in numeracy and literacy in their latest Key Stage 2 tests – or Sats.
More than 20 primaries in the North East gained a perfect score for Year 6 pupils achieving level four in both English and maths.
Letters were sent to the top 100 most improved primaries, including three in our region, which have seen significant progress in Sats results since 2009.
Mr Laws said: “I would like to congratulate all staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success and to thank the head for the leadership in continuing the drive towards the highest standards of educational achievement.”
Three schools in Newcastle – Walbottle Village, St Oswald’s RC and St Cuthbert’s RC – received praise from the minister for achieving 100%.
Headteacher at Walbottle Village Primary, Alison Oliver, said: “It’s fantastic for the school to be singled out for praise like this and to know the hard work and effort from all involved has been recognised.
“We have a successful tracking system in place which monitors pupils’ progress and attainment throughout the year, so we were hopeful of good results. But we were still thrilled when the results came in, which confirmed our hopes.”
St Gregory’s RC Primary in South Shields was another school praised for achieving a perfect pass rate.
Headteacher Ken Smithson said: “It’s always nice for the school to be recognised in this way.
“We have high expectations of our children and we want them to have the very best start in life and thrive.
“Good performance in English and maths is very important, as they are core subjects which can make a difference to a child’s life, but we also want our pupils to have a wide-ranging curriculum and to be happy.”
He added: “This is a real team effort. We have exceptional staff, who are supported by excellent governors and the support we receive from parents is fantastic. Everyone deserves praise.”
Waterville Primary in North Shields was ranked as the top performing primary school in North Tyneside with 100% of pupils achieving at least a level four in English and maths.
Mayor for North Tyneside, Linda Arkley said: “I’d like to express my personal thanks to the staff and parents who have supported pupils, as well as praise the children who have worked so hard.”
Three North East schools to be congratulated for showing consistent improvement over the last three years are Bothal Middle in Ashington, Northumberland; Hylton Red House and Husdon Road Primary in Sunderland.
