Pupils in Wales show progress in reading and maths skills

New statistics from the 2023/24 academic year show improvements in English reading, Welsh reading, and numeracy across Wales.
English reading attainment rose in all year groups compared to 2022/23, with Year 3 pupils performing better than in both 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Welsh reading also saw gains across Years 3 to 9, while numeracy (procedural) showed the most improvement among younger pupils.
Numeracy (reasoning) remained stable.
Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said: "It is encouraging to see progress in attainment in reading and numeracy.
"This improvement highlights the impact our investments are making in schools to ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential."
The data comes from anonymised results of the national personalised assessments, which are adaptive online tools used to measure pupil progress in reading and numeracy.
Personalised assessments aim to support learning by identifying strengths and areas for development.
Trystan Phillips, headteacher at Ysgol Gymunedol Penparc in Ceredigion, said the school has changed how it uses the assessments.
Mr Phillips said: "We have evolved in our use of the personalised assessments to move away from their use as a summative resource to being a resource that truly influences progress.
"They're very much now a device to support pupil progress."
Owen Evans, Estyn's chief inspector, said the tools help teachers tailor support and track learning.
Mr Evans said: "Personalised assessments are a useful tool for schools.
"They enable teachers to tailor support for individual pupils and track progress over time.
"We are pleased to see some improvement, but schools need to work together to support attainment, and ensure there is a relentless focus on improving reading and mathematics for all learners."

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Pupils in Wales show progress in reading and maths skills

New statistics from the 2023/24 academic year show improvements in English reading, Welsh reading, and numeracy across Wales. English reading attainment rose in all year groups compared to 2022/23, with Year 3 pupils performing better than in both 2020/21 and 2021/22. Welsh reading also saw gains across Years 3 to 9, while numeracy (procedural) showed the most improvement among younger pupils. Numeracy (reasoning) remained stable. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said: "It is encouraging to see progress in attainment in reading and numeracy. "This improvement highlights the impact our investments are making in schools to ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential." The data comes from anonymised results of the national personalised assessments, which are adaptive online tools used to measure pupil progress in reading and numeracy. Personalised assessments aim to support learning by identifying strengths and areas for development. Trystan Phillips, headteacher at Ysgol Gymunedol Penparc in Ceredigion, said the school has changed how it uses the assessments. Mr Phillips said: "We have evolved in our use of the personalised assessments to move away from their use as a summative resource to being a resource that truly influences progress. "They're very much now a device to support pupil progress." Owen Evans, Estyn's chief inspector, said the tools help teachers tailor support and track learning. Mr Evans said: "Personalised assessments are a useful tool for schools. "They enable teachers to tailor support for individual pupils and track progress over time. "We are pleased to see some improvement, but schools need to work together to support attainment, and ensure there is a relentless focus on improving reading and mathematics for all learners."

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From left: Relieved owner Liz Richardson with volunteer searcher Richard Mulcahey and drone pilot Dafydd Edwards (Image: Liz Richardson ) ‌ Amidst the plethora of rabbits, locating a diminutive Jack Tzu – a hybrid of Shih Tzu and Jack Russell – was a challenge. Dafydd managed to identify one slightly larger heat signature and upon zooming in, it seemed to be a dog. He said: "It was pure luck. I kept tracking the dog but as soon as Liz and John arrived, the battery ran out again and I needed to make another change. I was worried I'd lost Roxie but luckily she was still in the same spot when the drone went back up." John and Richard were led to Roxie's hiding spot, with some invaluable advice from social media users. "We had a lot of advice from Facebook users, especially Gillian Metcalf," Liz expressed. ‌ "We were advised not to all shout Roxie's name in case she took fright. When John was closing in, he was calling out gently for Lola instead - the idea was that Roxie would be curious and feel she was missing out on something. It seemed to work - she was quickly back on a lead." Liz could barely contain her gratitude upon their reunion saying: "I could scarcely believe she was back and unharmed, I couldn't stop thanking everyone. I've been overwhelmed by everyone's kindness. In this day and age, you think there aren't many people willing to help for nothing, but this shows that's not true. I count myself so lucky to live here." Dafydd, frequently called upon to seek out lost pups said: "It's always very rewarding when you make a successful rescue." Article continues below In appreciation, Liz made a gesture of thanks to the Dog Search and Find group, contributing to DSFLG UK and registering herself as a volunteer searcher. 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