BLAENAU Gwent is one of the worst performing counties in Wales for education at foundation phase, key stage 2 and key stage 3, according to figures going before councillors today.

Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Newport all performed well at foundation phase (children age three to seven) and key stage 2 (Years 3 to 6), according to provisional 2012/13 figures to be seen by Newport’s cabinet in a report by James Harris, chief education officer.

All schools are subject to reporting and monitoring of standards each year, with the focus in key stages 2 and 3 on English/Welsh first language, mathematics and science, and the percentage of pupils achieving the expected level in all three core subjects.

Provisional figures show at foundation phase, in English, Newport ranked third in Wales, sixth for Welsh, fourth for maths, and ninth for personal development. Monmouthshire came top for foundation phase and English, 16th for Welsh, third for maths, and second for personal development. Torfaen was third in foundation phase, fourth in English, 20th for Welsh, top in maths, and sixth in personal development. Blaenau Gwent ranked 17th for foundation phase, 16th for English, 19th for Welsh, 21st for maths, and 19th for personal development.

At key stage 2 (Years 3 to 6), Monmouthshire was top for English, maths and science, with Torfaen second for Welsh first language and maths and third in science. Newport was ranked sixth for English, second for Welsh first language, seventh for maths and fourth for science. Blaenau Gwent was bottom of the league for English and Welsh first language, and second from bottom for maths and science.

At key stage 3, Torfaen rated best in Gwent for English and maths, and eighth in science.

Monmouthshire was sixth for English and maths in Wales, and third in science. Newport was ranked 13th for English, 11th for maths and science. Blaenau Gwent was ranked bottom for English, maths and was second from bottom in science.