Exam results show one in five leave primary school unable to read

A quarter of boys and 15 per cent of girls left primary school this year unable to read and write properly, government figures show today.

Overall one in five 11-year-old pupils failed to reach the expected level in their national curriculum tests in English.

It is the first time results in the subject have declined since the tests, formerly called Sats, were introduced 15 years ago.

The percentage reaching the required level — level 4 — in maths and science stalled, remaining at last year's level of 79 per cent and 88 per cent respectively.

► The Times