Rebecca Harris MP has paid tribute to teachers across Castle Point as the summer holidays begin. Their hard work means that more children are gaining the skills and knowledge they need to get on in life.   

739 more children in Castle Point are now in schools rated good or outstanding, compared with 2010, and 1.9 million more children are attending good or outstanding schools nationally. 85 per cent of schools are now rated good or outstanding, up from 68 per cent in 2010. 

Literacy levels have been rising since the introduction of the phonics screening check in 2012, meaning more children are mastering the fundamental skills they need. Last year 82 per cent of 6-year olds reached the expected level in reading nationally, compared to 58 per cent in 2012. 

Reforms to the curriculum mean more pupils are studying the core, academic subjects they need to get on and disadvantaged students are more likely to go to university than ever before. At the same time, reforms to apprenticeships mean that young people have quality, vocational options as they await their GCSE and A-Level results.  

Commenting, Castle Point’s Member of Parliament, Rebecca Harris said: 

“As we look forward to the summer holidays, I want to thank the dedicated teachers who work passionately and tirelessly in schools across Castle Point.

“Many local young people will now be be awaiting exam results, which is always a nervous time. But the hard work of teachers, combined with this Government’s reforms, means pupils will have more options than ever before – whatever path they chose to take.”