School league tables don't tell whole story (From Warrington Guardian)

School league tables don't tell whole story

A MOTHER from Northwich says a primary school - named last week as the town's poorest performer - has been unfairly portrayed.

Her message comes after Witton Church Walk Primary School emerged second to bottom in the Northwich area in an annual performance table compiled by the Government.

The primary school league tables show the percentage of pupils achieving at least level four in Key Stage 2 in English, maths and science.

In general, Cheshire primary school pupils again exceeded the national average for the higher level of achievement at Key Stage 2.

And in mid Cheshire, Little Leigh Primary and Wimboldsley Community Primary both scored 100 per cent success figures in English, maths and science, while Antrobus St Mark's Primary also figured among the high achievers, notching up 100 per cent figures in both maths and science.

Antrobus St Mark's headteacher David Batchelor said: "I am delighted that the hard work, professionalism and positive attitude of our children and staff has borne such wonderful fruit. It is our children which make the school so special and they have shown yet again what a super school we have."

But the figures showed Witton Church Walk Primary School as having an average points score of 24.5 - Little Leigh had a score of 31.9. Bottom of the list for the Northwich, Frodsham and Helsby area was Frodsham Weaver Vale Primary on 23.7.

However the mother of two pupils at Witton Church Walk School said she felt the figures did not give an accurate impression of the good work done there.

She said: "I cannot fault the school or the nursery which my two children have attended and have given them the best start in education that anyone could wish for.

"The teachers are dedicated and thriving there. If anyone looks at these league tables and thinks that our school is not up to par, they should think again.

"League tables are just another statistic in our daily lives and it is a very happy school. The tables do not reflect the high standard of the school.

"I'm sure a lot of other parents would feel the same way as I do."

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk