The standard of education achieved by pupils in Croydon's schools continues to rise, according to the Council's Education Standards and Quality Report 2000-2001 published this week.

Coinciding with the publication of performance tables by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the report highlights the examinations and test results from summer 2001 and shows:

* a rise in standards at GCSE where the percentage of pupils achieving five or more high level A-C grades rose by 2.3 percentage points compared to a national increase of 0.6 per cent;

* increases in English and science at key stage two. Mathematics remained at last year's level;

* increases in mathematics and science at key stage three. In line with the national trend, English dipped by one percentage point.

Other notable achievements contained in the report, which also draws on evidence from 19 OFSTED inspections and the findings of local monitoring and advisory work in schools, include:

* four primary schools and one secondary school being awarded Beacon status in recognition of their excellence. This status brings extra resources for spreading good practice and supporting other schools in the borough;

* the successful bid for Excellence in Cities (EiC) Cluster bringing funding for 14 schools;

* funding to extend the Education Action Zone for a further two years which is promoting considerable successes in the New Addington schools;

* a major boost for study support and out of school activities as a result of a successful bid for a New Opportunities Fund grant which will benefit 40 schools;

* good progress in arts education;

* excellent innovations in the literacy and numeracy strategies which continue to be implemented in all primary schools.

Croydon's cabinet member for education, Councillor Louisa Woodley, said: "We are delighted that standards are continuing to rise, demonstrating the commitment of our teachers and school staff who are working with Croydon education to raise the level of attainment in all areas.

"The dip at key stage three is a national phenomena and is as a result of pupils moving from primary to secondary education. However, for the past year schools in Croydon have been preparing for the introduction of the literacy and numeracy key stage three strategy and I would expect to see improvements as a result of the extra education."

November 26, 2001 11:00