Though current improvements are to be celebrated, this government is not complacent about the gains still to be made, writes the schools minister.
There are over 16,000 primary schools in England. It is this Government’s aim to ensure that – no matter which of those schools your child attends – they will leave aged 11 having mastered the fundamentals of reading, writing and mathematics.
In 2010, around 1 in 3 pupils left primary school without having achieved a Level 4 or above in reading, writing and mathematics – the expected standard of literacy and numeracy required for secondary school. That has fallen to 1 in 5 today.
Compared with 2012, 30,000 more children left primary school this year equipped to access the secondary school curriculum, and avoid the frustration and disillusionment of falling behind.
I have visited dozens of inspiring primary schools during my time as Schools Minister. A vital component which they share is the belief that all pupils, taught well, can learn to read, write and add up.