Agenda item

To receive a report outlining the Education Attainment statistics for the 2024/25 academic year.

The Head of Service: Education Achievement and Enrichment presented an update on educational attainment for the 2024/25 academic year. The Committee received an overview of the borough-wide performance across Early Years, Key Stage 1 (KS1), phonics, Key Stage 2 (KS2), SATs and Key Stage 4 (KS4) GCSE outcomes.

The presentation highlighted that the national accountability framework for performance across state-funded schools differed depending on school type, however the Council held responsibility for maintained schools while academy trusts reported directly to the Department for Education (DfE). Statistical data released by the DfE showed that in Telford & Wrekin, 64% of primary schools were schools which were maintained and 92% of secondary schools in the borough were academies, a figure higher than the national average, with the local authority continuing to work collaboratively with academy trusts through established partnership forums.

Early Years Foundation outcomes showed 67% of children in Telford and Wrekin had achieved a Good Level of Development (GLD), a figure broadly in line with the national average. Targeted support had been provided by schools for pupils transitioning into KS1, particularly those who had not met early learning goals or a good level of development. More than three quarters of all pupils had met expected standards in communication and language and personal, social and emotional development.

The Head of Service: Education Achievement and Enrichment explained that improving GLD remained a key priority for the authority under the Best Start in Life Programme and advised that the DfE had set a national ambition for 75% of pupils to achieve a Good Level of Development by 2028, with Telford & Wrekin set a local target of 78%. The Council would continue to strengthen partnership working with health providers, early years settings and schools to support children from birth to age five.

As part of the DfE approved programme, there was a requirement for phonics tests to be taken by children in Year 1. Data relating to phonics showed that 80% of pupils had passed the Year 1 screening check, a result consistent with both regional and national performance. Schools had continued to deliver DfE?approved phonics programmes, with decoding skills remaining a key national priority for early reading.

Following the removal of statutory SATs at the end of KS1, national assessments would take place only at the end of Primary school in Year 6, where pupils would be required to sit statutory tests in reading and mathematics. Outcomes were reviewed both by individual subject and through the combined measure, reflecting the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in both reading and maths.

Members heard that 64% of pupils in Telford and Wrekin achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths (RWM) combined in KS2, in line with national figures. It was noted that there had been improvements in writing and maths outcomes when compared with previous years and that disadvantaged pupils in the borough were performing in line with their peers regionally and nationally.

The Committee was informed that the borough’s Attainment 8 score for KS4 pupils had risen to 44.1 from the previous score of 43.3 recorded in 2024 and was broadly in line with regional averages, though still slightly below national outcomes. Performance in English continued to be stronger than in maths, which had impacted combined English and Maths results at grades 4–9 and grades 5–9. The Head of Service: Education Achievement and Enrichment explained that improving outcomes at KS4 remained a strategic priority for the Education Strategic Partnership, including working with the regional Maths Hub to strengthen curriculum transition and GCSE preparation.

The Head of Service: Education Achievement and Enrichment outlined the key areas of focus for the coming year. The Council would continue work to reduce the attainment gap between disadvantaged and non?disadvantaged pupils through strengthened school?level strategies and early identification of need. Improving outcomes at the end of KS4 also remained a core focus, with particular attention on raising English and Maths results at grades 5 and above, improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils to narrow the gap to national averages, and increasing maths attainment at both grades 4 and above and 5 and above through cross?phase curriculum work and support from the regional Maths Hub.

In response to questions raised on KS4 performance and maths outcomes, the Head of Service: Education Achievement and Enrichment explained that the Council was working closely with Academy Trusts to develop a borough?wide strategy to improve maths results. This included collaborative work with the Maths Hub, support for curriculum alignment from Year 5 to Year 8, and shared commitments across schools to strengthen preparation for GCSE assessments.

Members discussed support for disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils where the Head of Service: Education Achievement and Enrichment explained that local data showed the attainment gap was narrowing. Quality assurance visits had been used to scrutinise pupil premium strategies and ensure appropriate interventions were in place. Schools were focused on early identification of pupils requiring support, and the Council maintained ongoing conversations with colleges to secure strong post?16 pathways.

Members thanked officers for the comprehensive update and commended the work of teachers and all those supporting schools across the borough, recognising their continued efforts in improving outcomes for children and young people.

The update was noted.