Commenting on the publication of school statistics showing a wide variation in attainment and absenteeism, Angela Burns AM, Shadow Minister for Education, said:
“These figures, showing increasing variation in school performance across the Welsh nation, are yet another alarm call on drifting academic standards.
“Data on literacy, numeracy and absenteeism shows how more deprived areas including our inner cities and the Valleys are falling behind other parts of Wales.
“Wales desperately needs a clear joined up strategy to tackle the root causes of deprivation which is preventing too many of our young people from achieving their potential.
“Welsh Conservatives want to directly fund schools to slash bureaucratic costs and dramatically increase the amount of money reaching the frontline to resource a drive to raise standards.”
