How Somerset Primary Schools Are Performing Since the Covid-19 Pandemic

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Somerset’s primary school pupils have faced challenges in recovering their reading, writing, and maths skills to pre-pandemic levels. In the 2024/25 academic year, only 56% of 11-year-olds in the Somerset council area met the expected standards in all three key subjects according to Key Stage 2 assessments. This figure trails the national average of 62% and places Somerset among 11 council areas in England with the lowest performance.

In contrast, neighbouring areas such as Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset performed better, with 62% of their pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and maths. However, these figures have also declined since the pre-pandemic year of 2018/19, when scores stood at 67% and 65%, respectively.

Despite these shortfalls, there is a positive trend. Somerset’s results have improved slightly compared to recent years, rising from 59-60% in 2022 to the current 56%. Still, the overall progress remains below the benchmarks established before the pandemic struck.

National data highlights a geographic disparity in student achievement, often described as a postcode lottery. Some local authorities report that up to half of their pupils are not reaching expected standards. For example, only 50% of children in Central Bedfordshire met all standards in their Key Stage 2 results, with similarly low rates in areas such as the Isle of Wight (51%), Portsmouth (53%), and several northern and coastal regions where results hover around 54-55%.

London stands out as a region where the majority of pupils are performing well. Boroughs like Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hackney have over three-quarters (76%) of pupils meeting expected standards, the highest rates nationally. Richmond upon Thames follows with 74%, and other boroughs such as Waltham Forest, Redbridge, and Kensington and Chelsea each boast 73%. Outside London, Trafford leads with 70%, contrasting with nearby Manchester, where just 55% of pupils meet the expected criteria.

In summary, while Somerset’s primary school performance shows signs of modest recovery, challenges remain in achieving pre-pandemic academic standards. The wider national picture reveals significant regional disparities, emphasizing the ongoing need for targeted educational support and resources.