School celebrates top SATs results

A total of 97 per cent of year six pupils at Castlefort JMI in Walsall gained level four or above in reading, writing and mathematics.

It is above the national average of 79 per cent and the best outcome of all Walsall primary schools.

Teachers, staff, governors and parents have praised schoolchildren for their achievements.

Headteacher Jo Wilson, of the school in Walsall Wood, said: "This is a great result for our school and it is down to hard work from the children and staff and the continuing support we receive from our governing body and parents.

"We have been on a real improvement journey at Castlefort since I joined the school six years ago and we are extremely proud of this achievement.

"It's a privilege to be headteacher of such a lovely school."

Council leader Sean Coughlan praised the achievements of youngsters. He added it was the aim of the authority to help raise standards at schools across the borough.

"I would like to congratulate everyone at Castlefort JMI on their excellent SATs results," he said.

"Well done to everyone at the school who worked so hard to achieve such a positive outcome.

"We are at a crucial point in our journey to improve Walsall's schools and it is important that we celebrate these achievements and look to build on these strengths.

"A key part of our improvement plan involves schools working with other schools throughout the borough to help share good practice and learn from one another's success.

"It is reassuring to see that there are so many positives already there to build on as we take the next steps toward making Walsall's schools the best that they can be."