KS1 writing standard falls again

THE basic writing standards of seven-year-olds have fallen for the second year in a row, government figures show.

80 per cent of children reached Level 2 in writing tests, down from 82 per cent of children last year.

For maths, science and reading, figures remained the same as the previous year, and one point down on 2005.

Girls outperformed boys in every category, particularly writing, where 86 per cent reached the target compared to 75 per cent of boys.

Schools minister Andrew Adonis said he was pleased with the results but stressed the need to push for improvements.He said: "We know that children who reach the expected level in reading, writing and maths at seven years old have a much better chance of leaving primary school with a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy skills.

"That is why we are doing much more to support early reading, writing and maths."