CAERLEON Comprehensive School has been commended for good practice in a new report by education watchdog Estyn.

The report, good practice in mathematics at key stage three, was published today. It reveals that Caerleon Comprehensive has continued to increase the percentage of pupils achieving at least level 5 in maths and currently 92 per cent achieve this target. This compares favourably with the family, local authority, and Wales averages.

This improvement is also reflected at the end of key stage 4, with 76 per cent of pupils achieving an A*-C grade in mathematics and placing the department in benchmark quartile 2.

Nationally, the report reveals that results for pupils aged 11-14 have improved across Wales. However, girls are still achieving more than boys, and pupils eligible for free schools are not doing as well as other pupils.

Ann Keane, Estyn chief inspector, said: “Mathematical knowledge, understanding, and skills are increasingly important for everyday life. It is crucial that pupils develop a secure grasp of mathematics during their school years.

“It is encouraging that teacher assessments show that pupils are achieving the expected level in mathematics at the end of key stage 3, and that results have improved over the last five years.

“Schools should ensure that all pupils are able to achieve their full potential in mathematics. I urge all schools take note of the recommendations in the report and use the best practice studies to help improve their own mathematics departments.”