Exam progress halted

In Sheffield pass rates dropped in maths, science and writing, and in reading they remained static around the city.

Only three quarters of city youngsters made the grade in writing tests, at 76 per cent - down one per cent on last year and four per cent behind the national pass rate.

Reading scores remained the same at 78 per cent, compared to 84 per cent nationally, while in maths the city's pass rate was down two on 86 per cent, four per cent behind the national average.

In science scores by Sheffield pupils fell by two per cent to 84, five per cent behind national pass rates.

Sheffield's performances in reading and writing were among the poorest in the region, and mirror concerns by education chiefs in the city that too many children start school with very poor language skills.

Boys continue to lag well behind girls in standards of basic literacy - a substantial 11 per cent in writing tests - although the gap was only two per cent in maths and science.Reading results were better elsewhere in the county - Barnsley's pass rate was 79, Rotherham's was 80 and Doncaster's 82.

In writing the Barnsley pass rate was 76 per cent, with 77 in Doncaster and 78 in Rotherham.

The other authorities also produced slightly better results in the other subjects as well - in maths Doncaster fared best with 89 per cent, with Rotherham on 88 and Barnsley on 87.

In science Doncaster again led the way with 88 per cent, with Rotherham on 87 and Barnsley on 85.

Nick Seaton of the Campaign For Real Education said the performances achieved by seven-year-olds explained poor results seen later in their education: "It is vital that children pick up these skills from the age of five as they are the foundation for the rest of their education," he added.

Coun Harry Harpham, cabinet member for children's services, said the Sheffield results had mirrored the national trend.

"But boys' performance has improved, and the gap between Sheffield and national performance has been narrowing over the last four years," he said.

"Our More Learners Learning More strategy has particularly identified improving boys' literacy as a critical issue for the city.

"We're continuing to work extremely hard to raise pupil attainment at every stage across the city, and we're confident we will continue to see real improvements."