New targets in key subjects for England’s primary schools

Primary schools in England could be counted as underperforming if they do not meet newly-raised targets.

The current target of 60 per cent of pupils achieving the required levels in English and maths will now be raised to 65 per cent, the Government has announced. Schools repeatedly performing below the new rate will face being converted to academies.

The Department for Education says that in the past, results have improved when targets have been raised.

"We must ensure that a far higher proportion of pupils are 'secondary ready' by the end of their primary school. This will allow them not simply to cope, but thrive, when presented with the challenges and opportunities of secondary school," said Schools’ Minister, David Laws.

Read more here from the BBC

05/03/13