League tables detailing how primary schools in Lincolnshire have performed over the last 12 months have revealed a decidedly mixed picture across the county.
Department for Education data has shown that 79% of Year 6 students in the county achieved at least grades of level 4 in their reading, writing and maths tests.
The rate is below the national average of 80% but level with the East Midlands average of 79%, and higher than in cities such as Nottingham, Derby and Leicester.
Overall, Lincolnshire is ranked 107th out of 152 local authorities in the national league table.
In Lincoln and the surrounding areas, many schools have far exceeded the national average while others have fallen short of the government’s minimum expectations.
Again girls (80%) outperformed boys (77%) in the county, but the gap has closed year-on-year since 2012.
Some schools in the Lincoln area saw 100% of their pupils achieve level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths.
These were:
Coleby Church of England (Controlled) Primary School
Dunston St Peter’s Church of England Primary School
Eagle Community Primary School
Hartsholme Academy
Washingborough Academy
While most schools in Lincoln reached the government benchmark or floor level of 65% pupils achieving level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths, some fell short of the target.
Schools under 65% floor level
Newton-on-Trent CofE Primary School (63%)
The Lincoln Bishop King Church of England Primary School (61%)
The Hackthorn Church of England Primary School (60%)
The Welbourn Church of England Primary School (58%)
The Priory Witham Academy (46%)
Primary schools failing to meet this level are considered by the Department for Education to be under-performing and are at risk of being turned into an academy, or taken over by a different sponsor or trust if they already have academy status.
Vicky Cook, headteacher at Welbourn C of E Primary School, said: “As with many of these league tables our performance needs to be taken into context. We are a small school and every child carries a significant percentage – for us last year this was over 8% a child.
“One child was absent for SATs week which means that they are not included in our figure- if that child had sat the tests the school’s combined reading, writing and maths percentage would have risen to 66.8% which is above floor and we would therefore not be featured in this report.
“While we are always looking to improve in areas necessary, it’s important to note the real situation behind some of these figures which can sometimes paint a false picture. We are confident of continual improvement and development for the benefit of our children.
“Looking further behind the figures, our school was above the national and local average for data at Foundation Stage – 88% of pupils achieved a Good Level of Development by the end of 2015 which is above the national average of 61%.
“Similarly, 89% of pupils passed the phonics test which is above the national average of 77%, while at Key Stage One we were broadly in line or above the national data. We have a lot of excellent practice to build on.”
Expected progress
Three of the five schools with 100% of its pupils achieving level 4 or above also ensured that all their children were making the expected progress in reading, writing and maths.
Dunston St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, Eagle Community Primary School and Washingborough Academy were listed as schools where all pupils attained the grades expected of them at the start of the academic year.
Other schools where all pupils were making the progress expected were:
Witham St Hughs Academy
Mrs Mary King’s CofE (Controlled) Primary School
The Potterhanworth Church of England Primary School
Ingham Primary School
The Bardney Church of England and Methodist Primary School
Number of other schools, including some under the 65% floor level, saw 100% of pupils attaining grades required in at least one of the subjects.
Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Whilst we are pleased with the progress that’s been made, we are ambitious and want all our schools to be performing at the highest level for their pupils.
“We know how hard our children, young people, staff and governors work, and the support that is given by parents and carers. We want to make sure that all our children and young people in every area of the county have the best possible opportunities to learn.”
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “As part of this government’s commitment to extending opportunity for all, it is essential that every child leaves primary school having mastered the basics in reading, writing and maths – thanks to our education reforms thousands more pupils each year are reaching those standards.”
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Cllr Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council said: “In Lincoln, we are very fortunate to have some incredible parks and green spaces, with Hartsholme Country Park being a much-loved spot for families and visitors.
“The park has been especially popular over the last two years during the Covid-19 pandemic, being a haven for residents to enjoy outdoor spaces close to their homes.
“I would urge anyone to help us crown this fabulous park as one of the UK’s favourites.”
Once voting has closed on 18 August, the one park with the highest number of votes in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Nothern Ireland will be shortlisted.
The overall winner of UK’s Favourite Parks 2022 will be revealed in late-August.
Works to make the A52 Somerby Hill roundabout larger, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, are now finished.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “People in and around Grantham will be very happy to know that the A52 Somerby Hill roundabout is now fully back open without any traffic management.
“Over the past eleven months, the team has worked tirelessly to make the roundabout larger as part of the relief road project. Not only did this include fully rebuilding sections of the roundabout, but the team also installed new drainage, street lighting and kerbs here.
“Moving forward, the team will be installing four sets of bridge piers and preparing a planning amendment for the new River Witham/East Coast Main Line bridge. We’ll also be focusing on completing the section of new road to the east, between the new mid-route development and Somerby Hill roundabouts.
“I want to thank everyone for bearing with us while we upgraded the roundabout and for your patience moving forward as continue building your new Grantham Southern Relief Road.”
The Grantham Southern Relief Road project is being led by Lincolnshire County Council and supported by South Kesteven District Council, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Highways England, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Homes England and local businesses.