A recent survey has revealed that nearly 2 in 5 of British kids cant read or write.
London, August 8 : A recent survey has revealed that nearly 2 in 5 of British kids can't read or write.
The study by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, showed that almost 235,000 kids, who passed out primary school this year, lacked fundamental standards in the three Rs.
Labour claimed that this year's results were "best ever" as record numbers of 11-year-olds passed core subjects, but education experts have slammed the assertion saying that the statistics were "exaggerated".
"These results are exaggerated. The only people these 'record' scores serve are those in government," The Sun quoted Anastasia de Waal, of think-tank Civitas, as saying.
Schools Minister Lord Adonis has also admitted that there was "more to do" to improve classroom standards.
"We won't be satisfied until we get all children up to standard in literacy and numeracy," Adonis said.
Results showed that 80 per cent of kids passed English, 77 per cent cleared maths and 88 per cent passed science.
The study also showed that boys have closed the learning gap on girls over the past decade, from 13 points behind to nine.
But a breakdown of results revealed that only 67 per cent passed writing tests, just 60 per cent for boys. Pass rates in reading returned to 84 per cent after last year's crash.
Upon seeing the shocking figures, The Tories blasted the Government for failing to hit its target after ten years in power.
"Gordon Brown says improving education is his passion but the results are clear to see," Shadow schools minister Nick Gibb said.
Lib Dem spokesman Stephen Williams added: "It is a hollow boast to claim the best ever results when four out of ten children still leave primary school without an adequate grasp of the basics."
However, Lord Adonis has assured extra measures to accelerate the tempo of primary school learning from next month.
He promised a "renewed emphasis" on a return to the traditional phonics system of reading teaching.
ANI