Latest figures show sustained improvement across Falkirk primary schools
Primary school pupils in Falkirk are continuing to perform above national and local comparators in both literacy and numeracy, with the latest figures showing sustained improvements in attainment and a narrowing of the poverty-related attainment gap.
Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) data for 2024/25 shows that 83.42% of Falkirk primary pupils achieved the expected level in numeracy - 3.12 percentage points above the national average. Literacy attainment reached 79.13%, placing Falkirk 4.6 percentage points above the national average.
The results continue an upward trend over the past four years. Since 2020/21, numeracy attainment has increased by 5.74 percentage points, while literacy has increased by 8.92 percentage points. Over the same period, the attainment gap has narrowed by 6.28 percentage points in numeracy and 9.38 percentage points in literacy.
The improvements reflect the work taking place across Falkirk's primary schools to identify children who need extra support early and provide help before they fall behind. Alongside high-quality learning and teaching, schools are using assessment information to monitor pupils' progress, tailor support to individual needs and help more children reach their expected level.
Head of Muir Primary School is one example of this approach in action.
The school has strengthened the way it tracks pupils' progress, helping staff identify children who need extra support earlier and respond quickly. This has helped many pupils who were at risk of falling behind make strong progress in both literacy and numeracy.
In reading, all 11 pupils identified for support in Primary 3 returned to expected levels, while six out of seven pupils did so in Primary 4. In numeracy, eight out of nine identified Primary 6 pupils and five out of six Primary 7 pupils moved back on track.
The school has also seen positive results from its use of the Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) Literacy programme, with many pupils improving their reading and spelling.
These improvements are reflected in the school's overall attainment figures for 2024/25. Across Primary 1, Primary 4 and Primary 7, attainment reached:
- 90% in reading
- 91% in writing
- 97% in talking and listening
- 90% in literacy
- 88% in numeracy
Liam McLaren, Head Teacher at Head of Muir Primary School, said:
We are pleased to see the progress our pupils are making in literacy and numeracy.
"Our focus has been on identifying children who need extra support as early as possible and making sure the right help is in place for them. That has included close monitoring of progress, targeted support for pupils who need it, and a strong focus on high-quality learning and teaching across the school.
"It is encouraging to see that approach making a difference for our children and young people, and I would like to thank our staff, pupils and families for the part they have all played in that progress.
Councillor Iain Sinclair, Falkirk Council's Portfolio Holder for Education, said:
These results reflect the hard work taking place across our schools to support children and young people in their learning.
"It is particularly encouraging to see the difference that early intervention and targeted support can make for pupils who need extra help to get back on track. Head of Muir Primary School is a strong example of that work in action, with staff using targeted support and close monitoring of progress to help pupils improve in literacy and numeracy.
"These results show the positive impact of that work and the commitment of staff, across the Falkirk Council area, to helping children and young people achieve their full potential, while remaining ambitious for their prospects as they progress throughout their education.