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Primaries top the national average

Tom Rowley
13/12/2006

GLOSSOP primary schools performed a whisker above the national average in the test results for 10 and 11 year olds.

The key stage two performance and attainment results in English, maths and science from the 14 primary schools in Glossop resulted in an average point score of 27.9, fractionally above the national average of 27.8.

The average across all Derbyshire primaries was 28.1, up from 27.8 on last year's results.

St Margaret's Catholic primary in Glossop attained the best value added measure - 100.7 - locally. This mark compares scores achieved by pupils at key stage one when they were aged seven with those at key stage two. A school scoring higher than 100 is above average in adding value and schools with scores less than 100 are not doing as well at key stage two as the government believes it should.

Headteacher Simon Croarke said: "I think this result is down to the hard work and the quality of the teaching staff, but also the ethos of the school. Children feel safe here and want to do their best."

He added that the Glossop Road school has a roll of 91 pupils and runs classes in the Easter holidays for pupils who may be in danger of falling just below attaining level four in the tests. Its average point score was 28.8.

Simmondley Primary (100.1) and St Charles Primary (100) were the other local schools which gained 100 or above in the best value added measures.

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for school planning and support, said; "There are a number of other Derbyshire schools that are well above the national average, but just outside the top 100 list for both the most improved schools and the value added tables. Overall the performance of all Derbyshire schools compares very favourably on a national level."