CHILDREN did not achieve the expected standards in Poole schools last year according to the latest data which shows Key Stage two results were well below target.

Figures for 2014/15 show only 60 per cent of pupils achieved the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics at Key Stage 2.

That's below the national figure of 69 per cent, and way under the borough's target of 85 per cent.

Results for this year have not yet been published.

The data set also reveals that disadvantaged pupils in Poole are faring particularly badly, showing an -26 per cent "attainment gap" when their results are compared with those of their peers nationally.

Pupils' underachievement in Poole has been a serious concern in recent years, with results at Key Stage two among the lowest in the country last year.

At the end of last year Poole's primary schools were ranked second from bottom in a league table of 152 local authorities in England, after only 73 per cent of pupils achieved the benchmark level 4 in tests for standards of reading, writing and maths among 11-year-olds.

In addition the chief inspector of Ofsted’s annual report put Poole 114th out of the 150 authorities assessed for the number of pupils attending good or outstanding secondary schools.

A scathing Ofsted report into the council's arrangements for supporting school improvement published last September called for Borough of Poole to urgently address the underachievement and develop a strategic approach to raising standards.

A raft of measures have since been put in place. They include appointing an experienced primary advisor, and new data analysts to improve the quality and use of data from schools. Primary leaders meet half-termly to share good practice and an Educational Standards Improvement Board and working party have been established.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children and young people, said: “Raising education standards is the council’s top priority and we are absolutely determined to ensure all children and young people in Poole have the best chance to achieve their full potential.

"The council and all schools are working together to improve outcomes for our children and young people, with a strong emphasis on support for disadvantaged pupils.”

The majority of schools in Poole are now academies over which the local authority has no direct control.