A SCHOOL in Bolton failed to meet the minimum standards expected by the Government

The Gates Primary School in Westhoughton is one of just 511 schools nationwide which did not meet the 'floor' standard based on the Key Stage Two national curriculum tests.

The department for education has published how each school performed in this summer's SATs tests.

Schools are considered to be under-performing if fewer than 65 per cent of pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, or if they fail to make sufficient progress in the three key areas.

Only 42 per cent of pupils at the school met the expected standard in the 3Rs.

The Government measures progress by how far children have come in school between the end of Key Stage One and end of Key Stage Two.

Children made 'well below average' progress in maths and reading. Progress made in writing was average.

Headteacher Karen Forshaw, said: " The school acknowledges that the 2017 results were disappointing, due to the impact of historical issues, and the relatively new senior leadership team, along with school governors and the local authority, have taken swift action to address these results and improve outcomes for 2018.

"At The Gates there are many strong features to celebrate such as the exciting and enriching curriculum, attendance and behaviour of our children, stimulating learning environment, the pastoral care our children receive and high levels of parental engagement and support.

"We are committed to raising standards to ensure that all of our children reach their full potential."

Nationally the the number of schools considered to be under-performing had dropped, although according to data analysed by the Press Association, around 137,838 pupils are being taught at the 511 primaries that failed to meet the floor standard this year. This represents around 3.2 per cent of all children at mainstream primary schools in England.

The Gates, according to its last Ofsted report, has 321 pupils on roll.

It was graded as good in its last Ofsted report in 2013 and before that the school was rated satisfactory.

In Bolton the number of children reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths rose to 61 per cent, which was in line with national averages — and a number of schools posted that their children had made outstanding progress in all of their subjects.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We recognise that attainment needs to be improved at The Gates and the school is working very closely with us and is committed to achieving better outcomes for the pupils.”