PUPILS and staff at Egloskerry and Altarnun primary schools are celebrating this week after Year 6 pupils achieved results above the national average in the latest Standard Assessment Tests (SATs).

Egloskerry and Altarnun primary schools both recorded impressive scores in reading, writing and maths, outperforming this year’s national combined average of 62 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard. At Altarnun Primary School 64 per cent of pupils met the expected standard across all subjects and over at Egloskerry Primary School it was an amazing 82 per cent.

In addition, 36 per cent of pupils at both schools achieved the greater depth level in their reading, meaning they have exceeded the expected standard for their age. The schools attribute this to the Primary Cluster Reading Spine has led to this success, as it’s designed to inspire a love of reading from the early years. Featuring a rich mix of classics, non-fiction, and diverse stories, it includes authors such as Malorie Blackman, Roald Dahl, and Michael Morpurgo. With age-appropriate texts that grow in complexity, children are supported and challenged at every stage. The spine encourages shared reading, broadens understanding, and helps every child discover the joy of books.

Both schools also saw increases in pupils achieving maths results at expected levels, with 74 per cent of children at Altarnun and 91 per cent of those at Egloskerry achieving this standard. At Athena schools children are taught to be fluent mathematicians. Using direct instruction methods, lessons focus on building deep understanding and ensuring all children master key concepts before moving on. Pupils are taught in small groups matched to their current level, and any gaps in understanding are quickly addressed with targeted support. This approach has already shown strong results, with children engaged, confident, and making impressive progress in maths.