Westbury Primary schools continue to improve

MOST local primary schools are performing as well if not better than last year with Bitham Brook topping the performance tables for the Westbury area. 

The 2014 primary school performance tables, which outline the achievements of pupils in primary schools, were published by the Department of Education recently.

The tables show the results achieved by schools in the key stage 2 (KS2) tests. Schools are judged by the percentage of pupils who achieve level four or above in reading, writing, and maths.

Bitham Brook Primary School and Westbury Leigh are shown as the top performing primary schools in the area, with both having pass rates above the national average of 79%.

Bitham Brook Primary School achieved 88%, while Westbury Leigh achieved 80%.

Bitham Brook headteacher David Ross said, “We are obviously very pleased that our children continue to perform very well and achieve great results, even though not all of them find learning easy.  The children’s success is down to the commitment and dedication of all the staff at the school and the consistently high standard of teaching which enables the children to learn so well.

“The crucial aspect of this has been maintaining the fantastic learning culture that there is at Bitham Brook School. We seek to provide exciting, challenging and motivating learning experiences, where children are valued and successes are celebrated. Children are encouraged to share their ideas and their thinking and opportunities are created to develop their independence so that all children are expected to achieve their very best. The children are happy, enthusiastic and committed to being fantastic learners.

“We now look to continue to build on the fantastic learning culture that we have at Bitham Brook School.”

Bitham had above national average results for every category at both level four plus and level five plus.

Westbury Leigh CE Primary School is also celebrating. Headteacher, Debbie Grimsey said, “We are delighted to see all the hard work and determination of our staff reflected in yet another successful year of results for children.  All our staff care deeply about the children attending our school and work tirelessly to ensure they have the very best education possible.  We are overwhelmed by the continued good success of the school and very proud to be part of such a committed team.”

“Results show that the school continues to outperform both national and local authority averages and is providing a quality education to the children of Westbury Leigh.

“Westbury Leigh Primary School has been focusing on improving the quality of feedback to children in their learning this year.  As a result marking and feedback ensures all children are really clear about their learning goals and what they need to do to achieve them.  There is an incredible learning buzz across the school and this is reflected in the achievements of our pupils as they move onto secondary school.

“As we continue with our successful journey we will be looking to embed further the excellent teaching in our school and enrich further our curriculum in providing memorable experiences which enhance children’s learning.”

Results for other local school included Bratton Primary School, 76 percent; Dilton Marsh Primary School, 70 per cent and Westbury Junior School achieved 67 per cent.

Nearby Chapmanslade had an impressive improvement as they recorded a 93 per cent pass rate which is up from the previous year’s 82 per cent.