Wolverhampton youngsters in care praised for smashing learning goals

Educational outcomes for children in care across the city have improved over the past year, Wolverhampton council revealed.

It means the number of Key Stage 1 pupils in care, who reached expected levels in reading, writing and mathematics, has increased year-on-year.

Councillor Claire Darke, the council's cabinet member for education, said: "Overall these are a very good set of results and reflect well the hard work that our looked after children are putting in at school.

"As a council we will continue to work hard to support all our young people to succeed, and further improving performance – particularly at Key Stage 2 – is a priority for the year ahead."

Expected levels in reading were achieved by 75 per cent of children in care this year, which had risen from 39 per cent in 2016.

Youngsters, aged between five and seven, also improved in mathematics - with 80 per cent reaching expected levels, up from last year's 52 per cent.

More pupils in care also attained the required levels in writing, with 60 per cent of achievers noted this year, compared with just 29 per cent the previous year.

Council cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Val Gibson said: "We are really proud of our looked after children.

"Many have had a very difficult and unsettled start in life for one reason or another, which can very often mean that their education suffers.

"It is therefore fantastic that so many of them are achieving well at school – and even going on to secure university qualifications."

Educational outcomes from GCSE pupils in care across the city have been above national and regional averages for the last four years.

The council is hoping students will surpass averages again, with 23 per cent attaining five or more GCSEs at A* to C, including mathematics and English.

At post-16 level, 26 looked after young people achieved BTEC, diploma, A-level and entry-level qualifications, as well as two care leavers gaining university degrees.

The council also said 38 per cent of children in care were assessed as being at a 'good stage of development' in reading, writing and maths at Early Years Foundation Stage - the same proportion as in 2016.