SATs results show just over half meet the new standard

Fifty three per cent of 11-year-olds made the grade in reading, writing and mathematics in this year’s primary school SATs, meaning 47 per cent of pupils are considered not to have made the grade in the three Rs by the end of their primary years.

Under the last system which was dropped last year, 80 per cent met the required standard in reading, writing and maths.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan says lower results should not be interpreted as a decline in performance by pupils. This year's tests were more demanding and were based on a new curriculum.

Department for Education statistics show that 66 per cent of pupils met the standard in reading; 70 per cent met the standard in maths; 72 per cent in grammar, punctuation and spelling; and 74 per cent in the teacher-assessed writing.

The overall figure of 53 per cent relates to the number of pupils who reached the expected standard in all three subjects.

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