17/12/03 - Key Stage 3 Results for Cumbria above National Average

Cumbria County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education today made the following statement on the Key Stage 3 results for Cumbria.  She says

“This year’s Key Stage 3 results leave Cumbria Local Education Authority well above the national average in all 3 subjects and close to the very demanding national targets set a couple of years ago.  They reflect well on the commitment and expertise of many teachers and many schools which have achieved real success in raising the attainment of the pupils across the full ability range.  They, and we, have every right to celebrate this year’s successes.

However, the drive for even higher standards continues and the LEA’s very challenging targets remain in place.  They remain what they were when set – our aspirations for the young people of Cumbria.  Despite the level of challenge, the successes of the past few years leave the LEA optimistic that Cumbria can make further progress.  The focus now is on helping individual schools to identify what they need to do to raise standards even further in their particular circumstances and on tackling under-achievement – whether of particular groups of pupils or individual schools.  We will be working with schools to identify barriers to higher attainment and providing support to break down those barriers.  The notion that in 2004 all pupils will achieve their full potential is surely a prize worth striving for.”