West Midlands primary schools failing in key subjects

The Department for Education data has highlighted the two dozen schools across the region considered to be under-performing after the most recent Sats examinations.

Schools are considered to be under-performing if fewer than 65 per cent of pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths – or if they fail to make sufficient progress in the three key areas.

Eight schools in Walsall, six in Dudley, four in Sandwell, three in Kidderminster and two in Staffordshire were deemed to have failed to reach the standards, as well as one in Bridgnorth.

Across the West Midlands region, 21,148 pupils from 71 schools did not reach the Government’s floor standard.

Walsall Council cabinet member for children’s services and education Aftab Nawaz said teachers across the region ‘are doing the best they can under extreme circumstances’.

Councillor Nawaz said: “We have to realise that these figures serve more than just something for teachers.

“They inform parents how well schools are doing and help us as a local authority to see where we are locally, regionally and nationally.

“That is important, however what we have to understand is that since 2010 and the onset of austerity schools have been wholly underfunded.

“There’s going to be some impact as a result of that.

“In Walsall we want every school to be outstanding or good and pupils to get the highest grades possible – we are on that journey and we will get there.”

Nationally, 61 per cent of 11-year-olds who sat this year’s Sats – or national curriculum tests – met Government targets in all three areas compared with 53 per cent last year, according to the Department for Education.

While the number of schools considered to be under-performing has dropped, almost 140,000 children are being taught at mainstream primaries in England which are falling below the Government’s floor standard.