Primary pupils prove themselves in the SATs

NEWHAM’S ten and 11 year olds have excelled themselves by once again improving the borough’s SAT scores.

Across the borough, three quarters of Year Six pupils achieved the Government standard for both English and Maths when they took the exams this summer.

This is also just above the national average of 73 per cent.

Last year, seven in 10 pupils reached the required grade of level four and above, an increase from 68 per cent the year before.

The figures, however, may not be a true reflection of how the borough’s children are doing as 22 of Newham’s primary schools boycotted the controversial Key Stage Two tests.

Top of the class was Kaizen Primary School in Plaistow, where 94 per cent of students achieved the required results.

Also flying high were St Antony’s and St Edwards in Upton Park and St Helen’s in Plaistow.

Gallions Primary School in Beckton saw the biggest improvement, with its grades shooting up from 31 per cent to 73 per cent.

Grange Primary School in Plaistow, however, saw marks its plumet from 67 per cent in 2009 to 48 per cent this year, the lowest in the borough.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “These are impressive results and we are delighted to see children reaching their potential and achieving the best they can.

“Newham’s 11-year-olds continue to make better progress at Key Stage Two than others nationally. We will continue to invest in education as in a young borough like ours, children have to be a priority.”

Cllr the Rev Quintin Peppiatt, executive member for children and young people, said: “We can be proud of our schools and credit for these results must go to our teachers, governors and parents for their dedication to providing the best opportunities for young people.

“However we will not rest on our laurels. We will continue to improve facilities in our schools and challenge performance of those who are coasting.”