Maths results show an improvement
Local figures are better than average for country
Exam results for school leavers in West Lothian are outstripping the rest of the country, with pass rates for maths up 20 per cent.
West Lothian Council’s Education Executive welcomed the report delivered by Dr Elaine Cook, depute chief executive, which shows improvements across fourth, fifth and sixth year exam results.
Leavers from all schools in the county are showing improved pass rates. Schools are consistently above the national average and comparisons with socially similar schools elsewhere in Scotland.
Explaining detailed tables of results Dr Cook said: “At every level we are going past the national average in attainment versus deprivation figures.”
Staff and pupils across the high schools were praised for their efforts in boosting results as part of the Raising Attainment Strategy.
The only subjects in the report marked “could do better” were biology, geography and design and manufacture, all subjects which “could improve.”
Councillor Chris Horne told the committee: “It’s an incredibly positive picture.”
Councillor Pauline Clark said: “It’s really heartening to hear about the improvements in maths.”
West Lothian is one of the best performing areas in the country in maths and in the running for a national award.
Councillor Stuart Borrowman asked: “It’s clearly a rising tide, but is the attainment gap closing?”
“In West Lothian, it is closing”, said Dr Cook.
Executive councillor for education David Dodds said: “It’s fantastic that attainment has been improving continuously in West Lothian since 2012.
“West Lothian is now performing better than our comparator councils in all the key areas, in every school in West Lothian.
“This is important as it means more and better opportunities for our young people, whether it’s continuing their studies at their choice of college or university, getting a better job with more prospects or taking up training opportunities.
“It’s taken a huge amount of work by council staff and pupils to achieve this, supported by parents/carers and the rest of the school community, so thanks to everyone who has played a part in this success.”