Olive School Pupils Soar Above National Average in Phonics Assessment

The Trust’s two primary schools have achieved exceptional results in the 2015 Phonics Screening Check.

The Olive School, Blackburn is amongst the top 2% of primary schools across the country after 100% of its pupils either met or surpassed the Government’s required standard, whilst pupils at The Olive School, Hackney, are amongst the top 5% nationwide after attaining an impressive pass rate of 97%. National averages show that just over three quarters (77%) of children achieved this level in 2015.

Phonics is a way of teaching children to read quickly and skilfully. Research shows that when Phonics is taught in a structured way, it is the most effective way of teaching young children how to read. The Phonics Screening Check is a short, simple assessment to make sure that all pupils have learned phonic decoding to an appropriate standard by the age of six. All Year 1 pupils in maintained schools, academies and free schools must complete the check.

This is the second consecutive year that all pupils at The Olive School, Blackburn passed the Phonics Check and Executive Headteacher, Julie Bradley, is understandably delighted with the results: “Being in the top 2% of schools nationally is a testament to the hard work of our staff and pupils, and we are immeasurably grateful for the support provided by parents at home, too. We believe that having a good grasp of Phonics is crucial to our pupils’ development, as being able to read well from an early age enhances their understanding and knowledge acquisition, not to mention their ability to articulate and express themselves in writing.”

Both schools also received a personal letter from Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, congratulating them on their accomplishments: “I am writing to convey my warmest congratulations to you, your staff and your pupils for the very high standard of achievement in the 2015 Phonics Screening Check….this year’s figures show that 99% of pupils who reach or exceed the pass mark in the Phonics Check go on to achieve at least the expected standard in Key Stage 1 reading.”

Just two years after opening, the results represent a huge achievement, with the Trust’s primary schools providing some of the best starts in the country for young children.

Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 9th Nov 2015 | Posted In: Latest News