BROMLEY: Primary schools are singled out for Government praise

BROMLEY primary schools have been singled out for praise by a top Government minister.

Minister for school standards in early years education, Baroness Catherine Ashton, who answers directly to education secretary Estelle Morris, has praised Bromley for another strong showing in the annual league tables.

In a statement, Baroness Ashton, singled out Bromley for its excellence in contributing to early years education.

She also praised pupils, teachers and parents for their hard work and dedication.

She said: "Schools in the area are working hard to meet our 2002 targets of 75 per cent of all 11-year-olds reaching the standard expected for their age in mathematics and 80 per cent in English."

Bromley came sixth in the league tables out of 33 London boroughs and 17th out of 150 local education authorities nationwide.

The primary school league tables, which were published last week, chart the number of pupils who reach level four in Key Stage 2 (KS2) mathematics, English and science.

The borough has also excelled with several individuals gaining national recognition.

Ten-year-old Highfield Junior School pupil James Assock has won the national "Write Here Write Now" writing competition for the best non-fiction piece.

Dylan Eames, a nine-year-old from Hayes Primary School, George Lane, Bromley, was awarded a prize for most improved writing with a poem called "Fuss on the Bus".

Highfield headteacher Peter Jones was delighted with James' award.

He said: "James is a good all-round pupil. He loves writing and plays a lot of sport.

"I am so pleased he has won."

The two youngsters have also been praised by Mrs Ashton, who said: "Competitions are a great way to get young people to enjoy and be enthusiastic about writing. They make it fun for children to learn."

l To find out how the borough's schools performed in the last year, turn to page 6.

December 10, 2001 18:05

Patrick John