Primary school pupils across Caerphilly County Borough are performing academically better than expected, according to a council report.
A report presented to a recent meeting of Caerphilly Council’s Education for Life Scrutiny Committee noted that all foundation indicators used to measure pupils’ performance were higher than expected.
Most Key Stage 2 indicators were also either at or above the national average.
The Welsh Government measures deprivation in local authorities through the number of pupils who are eligible for free school meals.
Studies have shown a significant link between socioeconomic background and performance in school.
Despite being the fourth most socioeconomically disadvantaged local authority in Wales, Caerphilly’s pupil performance at foundation stage is ranked fourth for English and Mathematics, sixth for Personal Social Development and seventh for Welsh.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “I am very proud that our foundation stage pupils are performing well above the Welsh average. We are committed to giving our students the best possible start in life, regardless of their background, so that they can fully reach their potential. The statistics are a testament to the teachers in our schools, and provide the children with a sound start to their education.”