Positive news for school attainment levels

Attainment levels for most school year groups across Midlothian are increasing compared with last year and the years before Covid.

Standardised measure

The standardised measures are used to check, for example, a pupil is reaching the expected level for their age in areas such as words and counting.

National figures

This year’s data was compared with Scotland-wide figures and other comparable local authorities. 

Notable achievements

At the full Council meeting, councillors heard the most notable achievements were Primary School and S3 Curriculum for Excellence Attainment levels.

Curriculum for Excellence

The Curriculum for Excellence is Scotland's curriculum for children and young people aged 3-18. It is designed to provide young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for learning, life and work in the 21st century.

Primary age pupils

P1, P4 and P7 literacy attainment levels are 71.6% in 2023 compared with pre-pandemic levels of 69.9% and 65.75% in 2021.

S3 literacy

S3 literacy (reading, writing, listening and talking) attainment levels are 85.4% in 2023 compared with 80.7% in the previous year and 81.26% before the pandemic. 

Positive destinations

More young people who have left school are in positive destinations than previously, meaning they have a job, are volunteering or are in further education. In 2019, 93.8% of young people were in a positive destination compared with 95.5% in 2023. 

Impact of Covid

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott welcomed the new figures. She said: “Scottish Government surveys show many children struggled with home learning during Covid, so it is refreshing to note today’s figures.

Plans in place

“We’re not where we want to be yet though, which is why improvements will be focused in areas including P7 literacy and S6 attainment.

Continued improvement

“With robust measures in place, I’m confident we’ll make further inroads in improving attainment levels and making sure our children and young people get the best education possible.”