Norfolk’s seven-year-olds have posted record results in reading – with the County moving ahead of the national average for the first time.
Key Stage 1 results, published this week, show that 91% of pupils achieved the expected level two or above in reading – up from 89% in 2014 and above the national average of 90%.
In writing and maths, Norfolk was in line with the national average with 88% achieving at least level two in writing and 93% in maths.
Meanwhile reading performance for younger children in the county also showed improvement, with Norfolk narrowing the gap on the national average.
Seventy-three percent of six-year-olds passed the phonics check this year, a four percentage point improvement on last year’s 69%. Nationally, 77% passed the check, up from 74% last year.
The results follow significant improvements in the achievements of the county’s five-year-olds this summer, with a record proportion of children (65%) achieving “a good level of development” at the end of the reception year. The improvement of seven percentage points was greater than the six percentage points recorded nationally.
James Joyce, Chairman of the Children’s Services Committee at Norfolk County Council, said:
“Excellence in education is our priority and today’s results show that Norfolk’s infant aged children are beginning to make gains on their peers nationally – surpassing them in reading in Key Stage 1.”
“Getting early education right is crucial because results at five, six and seven give a good indication of how children will go on to achieve later in their education. Reading is particularly vital because it unlocks the rest of the curriculum for children, as well as providing a huge amount of joy.”
“Whilst it is encouraging to go ahead of the national average on this measure and to be in line with the national average for writing and maths for seven-year-olds, there is still much to do if we are to collectively ensure that all of Norfolk’s children are reaching their potential.”
“We want Norfolk to not simply reach but exceed the national average across every key stage and this is an aspiration shared by the council, headteachers and governors across the County.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“We, as a business community, need to work in partnership with the education establishments to capitalise on this success. To bridge the gap between education and work we need to inspire these children from an early age and develop them into the workforce of the future.”
