Success as ALT primary school results improve for third year in a row
Pupils across Active Learning Trust primary schools are celebrating excellent outcomes in 2026. Results in early years, Phonics, multiplication check and Key Stage 2 have all improved from last year, with strong achievement for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The sustained improvement reflects a Trust-wide focus on high-quality, inclusive teaching and a curriculum that builds pupils’ knowledge and skills year by year. Teachers use regular assessment to identify misconceptions and learning gaps at an early stage, allowing them to adapt their teaching and provide timely, targeted support. Schools also work closely together to share effective practice, strengthen subject leadership and ensure that successful approaches benefit pupils across the Trust.
Particular attention has been given to making learning accessible for every child. Clear explanations, carefully chosen resources, and structured opportunities for practice help pupils develop confidence and independence, while targeted interventions provide additional support where needed. This consistent approach is helping disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND to make strong progress alongside their peers.
Headline measures in all year groups have improved for the third year in a row.
Key Stage 2
Results in reading, writing and maths (RWM) combined were 66% across the trust this year, which is above the national figure of 63.3%. This sees a continuing upward trend, highlighting the year-on-year improvement. Results for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils are above the equivalent national figure from 2025.
The majority of ALT primary schools are above the national figure in 2026 for RWM combined. 89% of pupils at Albert Pye & Ravensmere Schools Federation in Beccles (Suffolk) achieved the expected standard in RWM, with 79% of disadvantaged pupils also achieving the standard.
80% of pupils at Grove Primary School in Lowestoft achieved the expected standard in RWM, an increase from last year and 17% above national.
Hillside Primary School and Gusford Primary School, both in Ipswich, continue their incredible improvement journey by achieving their best ever outcomes at Key Stage 2 (67% and 61%).
Multiplication Check
In Year 4, pupils take the multiplication check, which is a test out of 25. The average score for pupils in Year 4 across the Trust is in line with national results and improving year on year.
Pupils at Earith Primary School in Cambridgeshire achieved an average score of 24.1, with 83% of pupils achieving 25 out of 25.
Phonics
The percentage of pupils passing the Year 1 Phonics check across Active Learning Trust schools in 2026 was 85%, which is a 6% increase from last year and 5% above the national figure for 2025. Pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils achieved excellent results, well above the national comparator. Outcomes in Phonics have increased across the trust for the third year in a row.
100% of Year 1 pupils at Cromwell Community College in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, passed the Phonics check. There were also strong results for Earith Primary School (92%), Grove Primary School (90%), Isle of Ely Primary School (90%), Kingsfield Primary School (89%), Red Oak Primary School (88%), Sidegate Primary School (88%), Gusford Primary School (87%), Loddon Infant School (86%).
Early Years
The percentage of pupils achieving a good level of development increased by 10% between 2025 and 2026 and is 9% above the national figure for 2025 at 78%. 15 out of 16 schools achieved above national, with excellent results at Earith Primary School (91%), Reydon Primary School (89%), Kingsfield Primary School (86%), Pakefield Primary School (85%), Gusford Primary School (84%).
Results for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils were well above the national average for the equivalent national figure from 2025.
“These excellent results reflect the hard work, dedication and expertise of our headteachers and primary staff. Their commitment to high-quality teaching is embedding the strong foundations that will support long-term success, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive."
- Rae Aldous, Primary Director of Education
"The hard work of our primary colleagues has seen the excellent outcomes improve even further in 2026. I am immensely proud of the commitment to ensuring every child has the best support and start to their education."
- Lynsey Holzer, CEO