Peterborough City Council is marking a significant improvement in Key Stage 2 performance, following new data showing the authority as the most improved in the eastern region. The results reflect sustained efforts to raise educational standards across the city.
Validated data released in December confirms that, for the 2024/25 academic year, Peterborough recorded the largest regional improvement in the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. This places the city at the top of the regional improvement rankings for KS2 attainment.
Key Stage 2 assessments measure outcomes for pupils aged 10 to 11. Achieving the expected standard requires a scaled score of 100 or more in national tests. The latest results indicate that a growing number of pupils in Peterborough are meeting this benchmark.
The improvement represents a notable shift over time. In 2016, Peterborough was ranked at the bottom of the national KS2 attainment league table, with 43 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard. In 2024/25, that figure has risen to 61 per cent. This includes a six per cent increase on the previous year, the largest annual rise in the eastern region, and a 32 place improvement in national rankings since 2022/23.
The council attributes this progress to long term collaborative working between schools, education leaders, the local authority and the wider community. Teachers and school leaders, supported by the council’s education team, have maintained a sustained focus on improving outcomes for pupils.
Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services at Peterborough City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the progress our primary schools have made and will continue to work closely with all schools, whether maintained or academies, to continue this excellent work.
“This is a real team effort and I want to thank our staff, teachers, pupils, and the entire community for their tireless work. We never rest on our laurels and will strive for even greater outcomes in future.”
Nick Brompton, Head of All Saints Church of England Primary School and Chair of the Peterborough Primary Heads, highlighted the role of collaboration across the city. He said: “There has been much positive change in education across Peterborough in recent years. Schools are collaborating much more, sharing best practice and there is a united front all pulling in the same direction. This is a particularly unique achievement, considering the complete range of schools we have in the city, but as a collective – we see the bigger picture and work effectively together.
“We’ve got some excellent schools and there is a genuine willingness to help others, for example Head Teachers will speak to each other regularly, but so will English Leaders and Maths Leaders. Whereas in the past the temptation may have been to focus on the reasons why we were not doing so well, now we develop solutions and learn from and support each other. Our attitude is that if we have an issue or a problem, we can find the answer together. I personally have always felt that when addressing the challenges that we face, 95% of the answers are within our own city’s schools. This positive approach is testament to everyone involved in education locally, including the council themselves in facilitating, supporting and encouraging school clusters and increased collaboration which has made a positive difference.”
Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust and Chair of the Peterborough CEO’s Group, described the results as evidence of system wide change. He said: “Peterborough’s journey in recent years has been remarkable. Moving from the bottom of the league table to becoming the most improved authority in the region reflects big, systemic change and a lot of hard work from colleagues across the city.
“Schools, multi-academy trusts, the local authority and wider partners have come together with a shared determination to raise standards for every child. The progress seen at Key Stage 2 is reflective of a culture of collaboration, high expectations and professional generosity. While it is right to celebrate this achievement, it also strengthens our ambition as a group to go further and ensure every child, in every school in Peterborough, has the opportunity to achieve.”
Several contributing factors have been identified, including strong leadership, a consistent emphasis on high expectations, and the sharing of good practice across schools. Engagement with parents and carers has also played a role in supporting pupil progress.
The council’s education team continues to work closely with schools on areas affecting outcomes, such as leadership, attendance and inclusion, and intends to build on the current progress.
In addition to KS2 results, Peterborough has also been recognised as the most improved authority in the region for the proportion of pupils achieving a Good Level of Development at the end of Reception. This assessment is based on teacher judgements and learning undertaken during the Reception year, alongside early years education in nurseries and pre schools.
