Key success for pupils

Provisional results published today for Key Stage 3 standard assessment tests, known as SATs, show that Barnsley pupils have achieved their best ever set of results in English, maths and science - and are one of the most improved local authorities in the country.

For the first time ever Barnsley's results are as good as neighbouring local authorities and education chiefs say these results should lead to improved GCSE results in the next few years.

Results have improved in all three core subjects, which means the local authority is now ranked as one of the most improved in the country.

Today Jim Knight, Minister for Schools, said: "I would like to congratulate pupils, parents and teachers in Barnsley.

"It is one of the most improved local authorities in the country and everyone who has worked so hard should be really proud of their achievements.

"I know that many schools in Barnsley have challenges that other schools in more affluent areas may not face and that is why this achievement is particularly special.

"The tests for 14-year-olds are a great indicator for success at GCSE so this bodes well for the future. However, it is important that we keep pushing. There is still more to do and we want every child to do their best at every stage of their school life."

Barnsley's results show pupils achieving the expected level or higher in English tests at key Stage 3 has risen by five per cent to 67 per cent. Maths results have gone up by two per cent to 71 per cent and there has been a three per cent increase in science with 68 per cent of pupils now achieving the expected level or higher.

Nationally maths results have dropped by one per cent and there has been a one per cent improvement in english and science.

Youngsters sit their Key Stage 3 tests at the age of 14 at the end of Year 9, before they start their two-year GCSE studies. Today's results come just a week after primary pupils in Barnsley scored their best ever results in Key Stage 2 tests for 11-year-olds. In those tests English, maths and science results in Barnsley improved by more than three per cent in all three core subjects against a national rise of one per cent.

Edna Sutton, Barnsley Council's director for children, young people and families, said: "These results are fantastic for everyone concerned with the education of Barnsley's young people. They demonstrate an amazing performance by our pupils, our schools and – on top of the provisional Key Stage 2 results – show Barnsley is rapidly closing the gap on national average levels of achievement.''