Schools mark tests success (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Schools mark tests success

south Shropshire schools are celebrating their success in the national tests of 11 year-old pupils.

Ella Bolt, headteacher has expressed delight at Ludlow Junior School's results after it exceeded the national average for English, maths and science and was ranked 24th in the league table of Shropshire schools.

It also did well when it came to "value-added" scores - illustrating the progress pupils have made since starting at the school.

Mrs Bolt said: "We did very well and particularly well when it comes to the value added scores.

"Last year we were in the top 10% in the country and we won't be too far behind this year.

"This is all down to the hard work of staff and pupils."

She pointed out that this success came despite the school's size and its pupils' range of abilities.

"We are the biggest junior school in south Shropshire and we have a mixed catchment area in terms of the background and ability of our pupils," she explained.

"We have a high percentage with special education needs and they make really good progress because my staff are very tenacious in helping pupils if they have a particular problem." Mrs Bolt also commended the work of its main feeder school.

"We work very closely with Ludlow Infants and its approach is very similar to ours, so we are able to build on its work," she said.

Burford Primary School is also celebrating successful results. Pupils achieved above the national average in the three core subjects and was ranked 37th in Shropshire.

Overall, Shropshire schools were ranked 37th out of 150 education authorities.

Ann Hartley, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for children's services, said: "I heartily congratulate everyone who has contributed to these very good results."