Primary targets to raise achievement of all pupils

The TES reports that new targets for primary schools will conbine maths and English results and highlight how much progress pupils are making. The change, which will come into effect in 2009, means schools must do more to improve all pupils' marks - and not just those on the borderline.

Schools will now have to set targets based on the proportion of children progressing across two levels within four years.

The revised targets indicate the Government's increasing determination to close the gap in achievement as fears grow that the pooreset pupils are being left behind.

Primary heads are unlikely to wecome any change to targets that focuses on English and maths because it would put them under pressure to narrow the curriculum.