While the tests have been hounded by controversy this year, with pupils still to receive some results and a record number of schools challenging the results of those which have been issued, forcing a massive re-marking process, experts believe they still represent a reliable indicator of progress being made in the city's schools.

And the changes in English and Maths are both in the right direction - showing improvements. They may only be a one and a three per cent movement respectively but that should not diminish the achievement.

For it represents a lot of hard work over a considerable period of time so teachers and the authorities should be congratulated for sustaining the improvement.

We are sure parents will join us in saying well done, and expressing a hope that the improvements will continue year on year.

Young people value their communities

TWO weeks of hard work are paying off in Woodhouse with a sparkling new village square... and a growing sense of civic pride.

The work was carried out by students at the Sheffield Dragons Martial Arts College and their parents and was started after several expressed their disappointment that the vandalised square looked tatty and depressing.

This shows that the majority of young people value their communities and want to make a contribution. It is a pleasure to report on their good work and to pass on the thanks of the people in Woodhouse for a job well done.

The price of peace

BAD news if you want to escape to the country... it'll cost you. Life may be slower in rural England but it's more expensive, adding an extra £1,000 a year to average bills. But when you consider the peace and quiet that goes with it, surely that makes it money well spent.

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