Bolton’s ethnic minority primary school pupils are failing to reach the same standards in Key Stage One tests as their white counterparts, according to Government statistics.

However, Asian children come out top in reading and more black children reached the required standards across all subjects than previously. The statistics are based on Key Stage One tests which are sat by seven-year-olds.

According to the figures, the worst performing group is black children — and black girls in particular.

For example, 81 per cent of black boys achieved level two or above in maths but only 67 per cent of black girls achieved the same. However, the overall number of black boys and girls achieving the required standards has risen since 20006/2007. For example, 73 per cent of achieved level two or above in reading during the 2007/2008 school year, compared to 69 per cent the previous year.

The new figures also suggest that the gap between Asian and white children is narrowing — and that Asian youngsters are out-performing white children in some subjects.

Figures show that children achieving level two — the standard they are expected to achieve at that age — or above in maths was 89 per cent for whites; 87 per cent for Asians and 73 per cent for blacks.

In science, the figures were 88 per cent; 85 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. In writing, the figures were 77 per cent, 78 per cent and 61 per cent.

The figures were better for the number of children achieving the required standard in reading.

Asian children came out on top with 85 per cent, white children with 83 per cent and 73 per cent of black children achieving level two or above.

Asian and white girls outperform their male peers in all subjects but black girls were found to be falling behind black boys.

schaudhari@thebolton news.co.uk