Moray schools show progress in closing attainment gaps
Moray has continued to show progress in Primary and Secondary School literacy and numeracy.
The Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) data for 2024 shows improvement since 2023. While both numeracy and literacy remain slightly below the national average in some areas, Moray outperforms national averages in reading, writing and literacy in older pupils.
Listening and Talking performance in P1 is now fully in-line with the national average at 87%, the highest recorded level for Moray since 2018. Reading rose by 2% to 80%, just 1% below the national figure, while writing improved by 3% to 78%.
Overall Literacy performance has risen by 4% to 75%, reducing the attainment gap to 2%. Numeracy grew by 2% to 83% but remains slightly behind the national average.
P4 results show steady progress in literacy and numeracy, with efforts continuing to close gaps with national averages. Literacy overall is steady at 66%, remaining 5% below the national average. Numeracy, at 73%, is Moray’s highest recorded but still 5% below the national figure.
Listening and Talking in P4 remains 3% behind the national average at 84%. Reading has improved to 77% but remains 2% below the national figure. Writing has dropped slightly by 1% to 68%, widening the gap to 6%.
P7 data highlights significant progress. Listening and Talking increased by 5% to 87%, closing the gap to just 1%. Reading rose by 4% to 82%, surpassing the national average. Writing improved by 3% to 73%, though still 3% lower than national averages. Literacy overall climbed by 6% to 72%, narrowing the gap to 2%. Numeracy remains at 74%, 4% below national levels.
In S3, third level results remain steady. Listening and Talking is at 89%, 2% below the national average, while Reading holds at 89%, just 1% behind the national average. Writing improved by 1% to 88%, reducing the gap to 2%. Literacy overall rose to 87%, now only 1% behind national figures. Numeracy remains at 87%, still 3% below the national average.
At the fourth level, Moray’s performance exceeded national averages. Listening and Talking increased to 68%, 4% above the national average. Reading improved by 5% to 68%, now 5% ahead. Writing grew by 6% to 63%, now 2% above the national average. Literacy overall rose to 61%, exceeding the national average. Numeracy also improved to 63%, now just 2% below the national figure of 65%.
Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Children’s, and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “These results show encouraging improvements, particularly in S3 fourth-level literacy, where we’ve surpassed national averages. It is a testament to the hard work of our pupils, teachers, school staff, parents, and carers. However, we recognise that more effort is needed in Writing and Numeracy, particularly in primary schools, where gaps still exist, albeit closing on previous years. We’re addressing these gaps through targeted interventions, early literacy and numeracy support, and teacher training. Strengthening curriculum progressions, improving assessment, and using data-driven decisions will ensure resources continue to be directed effectively.”