A primary lesson

PESSIMISM must not be allowed to prevail when it comes to the tough new targets for primary schools which are to be belatedly introduced by this Government.

There is absolutely 
nothing wrong with Education Secretary Michael Gove’s benchmark which will compel 65 per cent of 11-year-old pupils to make the grade in English and maths.

Up from the current target of 60 per cent, it will place a greater onus on headteachers to ensure that more youngsters are “secondary-ready” when they switch schools at the age of 11.

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Given that a lack of key skills is one reason why so many pupils struggle to achieve five GCSE passes at Grade C or above, it could be argued that Mr Gove is being too lenient; his proposal will still see primary schools deemed to be acceptable if one-third of youngsters fail their English and maths tests.

That said, his policy is heading in the right direction and it is now up to teachers, parents and their children to raise to the challenge. Mediocrity has been tolerated for too long.

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