Somerset's 11-year-olds are still struggling to catch up after the pandemic — with fewer than six in ten meeting expected standards in reading, writing and maths.

New figures show just 56% of Year 6 pupils in the Somerset Council area hit the government benchmark in their end-of-primary tests this year - well below the national average of 62%, and among the worst-performing areas in the country.

Only 11 local authorities in England did worse.

It's a slight improvement on the past two years—but still way off pre-Covid levels, when 65% of pupils nationally met the expected standard in all three subjects.

Nearby areas are faring better. In North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, 62% of pupils hit the target—matching the national average.

Education leaders say the figures are a stark reminder of the lasting impact of lockdowns and school closures on children's learning. Teachers are working flat out to close the gap, but campaigners say more targeted support is needed in rural areas like Somerset.

The Department for Education says more funding is on the way — but critics argue it's not reaching the kids who need it most.

Nationally, there's a growing postcode lottery. In places like Central Bedfordshire, just 50% of pupils met the standard. In contrast, London is storming ahead - Hackney and Hammersmith & Fulham topped the table with 76% of pupils hitting the mark.

Somerset families now face a nervous wait to see if local schools can bounce back—before next year's scores roll in.

More local stories:

• Uneasy and unsafe' – Glastonbury council demands action to curb street drinking and violence
• Regeneration, cattle and a fresh AgriForum: The Dairy Show returns this October

Sign up to our free local newsletter here: https://glastonbury.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe. Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.