WEST DEVON primary schools are among those in the top third in the country, following the the latest set of tables published by the Government. Devon itself is now joint 48th out of 150 local education authorities , despite sinking to 146th for the amount of money it receives from the Government to educate pupils. The tables cover results in the key stage two Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) exams which the county?s 11-year-olds took this summer. Pupils across Devon took tests in English, maths and science. Overall, 81% achieved the benchmark level four or above in English compared with 80% nationally, 79% achieved level four in maths ? two points ahead of the national figures ? while 89% achieved level four in science, which was one point ahead of the national figure. Among the West Devon primary school results for level four passes in English, mathematics and science were: (percentage marks respectively) Bere Alston 82%, 91%, 91%; Gulworthy 91%, 91%, 91%; Horrabridge 86%, 90%, 100%; Lady Modiford?s, Walkhampton 86%, 93%, 100%; Mary Tavy and Brentor, not available; Meavy, 67%, 83%, 92%; Milton Abbot, 86%, 91%, 91%; Princetown, 82%, 91%, 91%; St Andrew?s, Buckland Monachorum, 90%, 90%, 86%; St Peter?s Juniors, Tavistock, 97%, 88%, 100%; Shaugh Prior, not available; Tavistock Community Primary, 74%, 75%, 84%; Whitchurch, 85%, 82%, 76%. Devon County Council?s executive councillor for children and young people, John Smith, said: ?The best results are always achieved through a partnership between heads, teachers, school support staff and children, with the active support of their families and our own education staff. I would like to pay tribute to their hard work. ?I am delighted that pupils in Devon?s schools are achieving ahead of the national average but none of us must be complacent. We must continue to strive so that every child in every school in Devon achieves the best they possibly can.?
