School targets achieved: Students surpass new standards

A MID-TERM review of the Department of Education’s 2011-2020 literacy and numeracy strategy for schools has found that raise-the-bar targets set some years ago have been met or surpassed far more quickly than even the most optimistic predictions suggested. 

This is a considerable achievement on several levels.

It shows that stimulating programmes work; that the majority of students thrive when challenged, and that by reaching one benchmark without any great struggle, the bar can be raised again.