PRIMARY SCHOOLS across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have more pupils meeting the expected standard compared to the national average, data has shown.

Figures by the Department for Education have revealed the top schools in the local authority following Key Stage two exams.

Final year primary school pupils took their SATs exams this summer and the data shows the percentage for how many pupils are meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Winton Primary School came out on top with 93 per cent of pupils meeting the standard and 17 per cent of children reaching a higher grade.

Neil Tarchetti, headteacher, said: “Winton Primary and the Delta Education Trust are very pleased with the school’s performance in 2023 and proud of what our pupils achieved.

“However we recognise that league tables are a very limited and often misinterpreted tool for looking at school performance.

“We believe that when evaluating schools it is important to look at all areas such as pupil progress, the wider curriculum, ethos, values and the emotional wellbeing of both pupils and staff.”

Number two was St Walburga’s Catholic Primary School in Bournemouth with 92 per cent, as well as almost a third of pupils reaching a higher level.

Veronica Woodward, St Walburga’s headteacher, said: “These results are a reflection of our children's hard work and we are proud of their commitment to all aspects of school life.

“They demonstrate the excellent support provided by our whole community to help our children to live out our vision to achieve well academically and become well-rounded, caring individuals who can make purposeful contributions to society.”

St Katharine’s Church of England Primary School came in at third with 84 per cent reaching the required standard and 17 per cent achieving above.

A full breakdown of all the schools can be seen in the data below.

Primary schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole excelled compared to the national average, in all areas.

Schools in England had 60 per cent of pupils meet the expected standard, compared to locally of 63 per cent.

BCP also had more pupils meet the higher standard, with 10 per cent, compared to 8 per cent nationally.