THE number of Somerset’s primary and secondary schools being rated ‘good or better’ by OFSTED inspectors has risen . . . but council bosses warn of a slight fall in GCSE results.

Figures show the county is now ranked 34th among England’s 150 local authorities for both highperforming primary and secondary schools – up 31 places since last year.

Most (87%) of Somerset’s primary schools have been judged ‘good’ or better during 2014.

This is up from 67% in 2012 and exceeds the national average of 80%.

Somerset’s secondary schools also have cause to celebrate with almost threequarters (70%) rated ‘good’ or above compared to 63% in 2013.

This means Somerset now ranks 78th out of 150 local authorities for highperforming secondary schools, compared to 108 in 2012 and 2013.

A slight fall in the number of 16-year-olds gaining five or more A* to C GCSE grades in Somerset is currently predicted for 2014 in line with a national trend, though the true picture will not emerge until January when regional and national data for GCSE performance will become available.

The figures also show: l 61% of Somerset’s fiveyear- olds have reached “a good level of development” in 2014 – up from 53% in 2013.

l Even more seven-yearolds are hitting national targets for reading (91%), writing (88%) and maths (93%).

l 78% of 11-year-olds are hitting national targets for reading, writing and maths.

Somerset County Council has already committed £1million to be spread across three years as part of the ‘Somerset Challenge’, £330,000 of which has already been allocated to improving GCSE results.

This and other school-led initiatives are supported by the Somerset Headteachers’ groups.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families with the county council, said: “These figures show Somerset’s primary and secondary schools are headed in the right direction.

“I’m pleased that more of Somerset’s youngsters are achieving nationally set targets in their education and many others exceeding those expectations.

“With Somerset County Council’s clear commitment to improving Somerset’s school performances, and GCSE results in particular, the future described by these improvements looks more promising for education in the county.”