The results released today show that 66% of local pupils reached the expected standards in reading, writing and maths, a major 10% increase from 2016 and 5% above the national average. Eleven per cent of pupils also reached the higher standard, again above national and regional averages.
- 75% reached the expected standard in reading, an increase of 8% compared to 2016. The national figure is 72%, an increase of 6% compared to 2016.
- 79% reached the expected standard in writing teacher assessments which remains the same as 2016. The national figure is 76%, an increase of 2% compared to 2016.
- 77% reached the expected standard in Maths, an increase of 6% compared to 2016. The national figure is 75%, an increase of 5% compared to 2016.
- 80% reached the expected standard in grammar, punctuation and spelling, an increase of 7% compared to 2016. The national figure is 77%, an increase of 4% compared to 2016.
- Southend were above the national average in all subjects in terms of achieving the higher standard
- For pupils with special educational needs, 17% of Southend pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, an increase from 9% last year.
- 10% of pupils with a statement or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to 8% nationally.
- 50% of disadvantaged pupils in Southend reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, an increase from 40% last year. This compares to a national average of 48%. This puts Southend 43rd out of all local authorities nationally.
Cllr James Courtenay, Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, says: “This is great news and everyone involved in achieving this should be delighted. The council is committed to supporting every child and school in the Borough to be the best it can be, and to see increases in all areas is testament to the hard work of all teachers, governors, pupils, parents and the council.
“I am particularly pleased to see that 50% of disadvantaged pupils in Southend-on-Sea reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, a major increase from 40% last year. This is also above the national average and shows that our commitment to close the attainment gap is starting to bear fruit.
“We will continue to work hard through the Education Board for example to improve standards and outcomes further. Well done to all those who have been involved in achieving these results. It is great to end the year and look forward to 2018 on such a positive note.”