Over 100,000 seven year-olds are dropping below the expected standards of writing for their age group, official figures have revealed.

According to figures published by the Department for Education (DFE), writing abilities amongst the age group are well below other key skills, such as reading and maths.

Almost one in five seven year-olds, which equates to nearly 104,700 pupils, aren’t yet at Level 2 in writing. At the same time, around one in six, or 84,000 pupils, aren’t reaching this level in their reading, and more than one in 10 (58,700) youngsters are failing to reach it in maths.

In the age-old gender war – boys are still falling behind girls in every area after just two years of education at school – with almost 25% failing to reach Level 2 in writing.

Nick Gibb, Schools Minister, said: ”a solid foundation in reading, writing, maths and science in the early years of education is crucial to a child’s success in later life.”

Photo by Caitlinator