Doncaster 7-year-olds test best in South Yorks

The borough is top in the county in reading, maths and science and second in writing.

Seventy-seven per cent of borough youngsters made the grade in writing tests, three per cent behind the national pass rate.

Reading scores were 82 per cent, compared to 84 per cent nationally, while in maths the borough’s pass rate was 89 per cent, one per cent behind the national average.

Science scores by Doncaster pupils were 88 per cent, one per cent behind national pass rates.

Neighbouring Sheffield’s performances in reading and writing were among the poorest in the region, and mirror concerns by education chiefs in the city that too many children start school with very poor language skills.

Doncaster’s boys continue to lag well behind girls in standards of basic literacy, as much as 15 per cent in reading tests

Barnsley’s pass rate for reading was 79, Rotherham’s was 80 and Sheffield 78.

In writing the Barnsley pass rate was 76 per cent, with 76 in Sheffield and 78 in Rotherham.

In maths Sheffield recorded 87 per cent, with Rotherham on 88 and Barnsley was on 87.

In science Sheffield had 84 per cent, with Rotherham on 87 and Barnsley on 85.

Mick Maye, a member of the Doncaster Council schools children and young people overview and scrutiny committee, said: “Being top in South Yorkshire is great news for Doncaster. There are teachers here who are really dedicated.

“But I think it is crazy testing pupils as young as seven. My grandson is only seven and he has already sat Government tests.

“I also think it is important not to put to much importance on academic qualifications. Vocational skills should be regarded as important too.”

Nick Seaton, of the Campaign For Real Education, said the performances achieved by seven-year-olds explained poor results seen later in their education.

“It is vital that children pick up these skills from the age of five as they are the foundation for the rest of their education,” he added.