I had a meeting with the Minister of State for Schools, the Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP earlier this month, together with other Staffordshire MPs to discuss amongst other things, the latest 2018 Key Stage 2 results which were published on 13th December.
Many of the Primary schools in Staffordshire Moorlands have seen an increase from last year in the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics. The national average has increased from 61% to 64% this year thanks to the hard work of teachers and pupils who have adjusted well to the reformed KS2 tests. These more demanding KS2 tests have set a higher standard in schools, bringing England’s primary school curriculum closer to the curricula common in countries with the most successful education systems.
It is always a real pleasure to visit schools in my constituency and last week was the turn of St Filumena’s Catholic Primary School in Caverswall and St John’s CofE Primary School in Wetley Rocks, both schools highlighted by the Minister as schools in Staffordshire Moorlands to be congratulated for showing an increase in the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics.
I would like to thank the head teacher Mrs Shann at St John’s for showing me around and introducing me to all the staff and children. It was lovely to see the gymnastics display in the gym and to visit all the different classes.
Thank you also to the Principal, Mrs Tomlinson and the Ambassadors at St Filumena’s for my guided tour and to the School Council who asked me such thoughtful questions.
It really was lovely to be able to congratulate the staff and children at both schools on their achievements and I look forward to visiting other schools in my constituency in the near future.