Key Stage 1 improvement in maths and writing for Liverpool children

Aug 28 2008

SCHOOL children across Liverpool are getting better at maths and writing at Key Stage 1.

Primary pupils in Liverpool continue to master reading and science while standards across other Merseyside authorities have slipped since last year.

The number of pupils hitting targets in reading and science remains at 82 and 86% respectively but standards in writing and maths have gone up a percentage to 78% and 90%.

It means Liverpool’s seven-year-olds are matching their national counterparts in maths and closing the gap in reading (84% nationally), writing (80% nationally) and science (89% nationally).

Halton shows improvements in reading from 79-80%, maths 86-87%, science 84-85% and writing staying at 77%.

But in Sefton, standards have dipped in all four categories with reading dropping by 2% to 84%, writing from 82-79%, maths from 92-90% and science from 91-89%.

Wirral’s pupils maintained last year’s 84% reading score but dipped slightly in writing, maths and science.

In Knowsley maths remains at 87% and science results have dropped from 86-85%.

St Helens outperforms the North West average in reading, writing, maths and science and only falls behind national averages in reading by 1%.

Children’s Minister Kevin Brennan said: "I’m pleased that high standards continue to be maintained but I want to see year-on-year improvements.

"There are no quick fixes but more can be done, especially for children who are really struggling with basic literacy and numeracy, and for those children who, with a bit of help, could reach the next level up."