Kent primaries above trend in new SATs regime

Standards in Kent primary schools are above the national average by four points, according to data on new tests released by the government.

The figures record how schools have done on revamped SATs.

In Kent, 59% of children reached the expected level compared with 53% nationally. However, that figure fell short of the target of 65%.

Children at the county’s primaries were above the national average in reading, writing and maths – the so-called “three Rs”. And, at 6%, the number of children who reached a higher standard in the three subjects was marginally above the national average of 5%.

Some heads and unions have urged parents to be wary of the new tables.

But county education chiefs welcomed the improvements, saying they represent significant progress in standards.

Cllr Roger Gough, KCC cabinet member for schools, said: “These are very pleasing results, and show the considerable strides schools have made in the county.”

The government has defended the new way in which standards are measured, although many areas did not meet the government’s target of 65%.

In Kent, just eight schools did not meet the so-called floor target of 45% – the equivalent of just 2%.

In Medway, there was less good news as schools were below the national average, with 49% of children achieving the target.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “This year’s SATs are the first that test the new primary school curriculum in English and maths that we introduced in 2014.

“This new curriculum raises expectations and ensures pupils become more accomplished readers and are fluent in the basics of arithmetic.”

KKC schools chief Roger Gough