Vow to improve as Staffordshire school standards slip

Ofsted's annual report showed that in 2014/15 a total of 70 per cent of pupils across the county attended schools rated in the top two tiers by the watchdog, a fall of 2 per cent.

The figure means the county has dropped to 109th in the country out of 150 local authorities for the quality ratings of its secondary schools, 17 places lower than the previous year.

The report also showed that 80 per cent of primary schools in Staffordshire meet Ofsted's benchmark ratings, a 3 per cent rise on last year.

However the figures, which are based on Ofsted ratings for school inspections, still saw the county fall five places in the national standings to 112th position.

Ben Adams, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for learning and skills, said: "Across the entire spectrum, the percentage of Staffordshire schools rated good and outstanding has risen by 17 points in the last two years.

"That improvement has been based on hard work in the schools and a committed approach by the county council team to challenging head teachers and governors about the standards within their schools and how they will be improved or maintained.

"That approach of championing education and challenging standards has been cited by Sir Michael Wilshaw as the way to succeed.

We will continue that process in Staffordshire, providing training, support and constructive criticism to improve standards for our children."

Nationally the number of pupils attending good or outstanding schools averaged 85 per cent for primaries and 73.5 per cent for secondary schools.

The report also revealed that in Staffordshire 16 per cent of primary school pupils and 44 per cent of secondary students now attend academies.

In the Black Country, Walsall came 143rd in the country for children attending good or outstanding primary schools, on 71 per cent.

Dudley came top across the region in 59th spot with 87 per cent of pupils attending schools that meet the Government benchmark, while Sandwell was 98th on 83 per cent.

Wolverhampton was 135th in the country on 74 per cent.

For secondary schools, Sandwell was the worst performing borough in the Black Country in 130th position, with 57 per cent of pupils attending good or outstanding schools.

Walsall was 116th in the country at 67 per cent, a rise of 10 per cent on 2014. Dudley rose four places to 123rd spot on 63 per cent, while Wolverhampton rose 28 places to joint 81st spot.