An MP has met with the Minister for Schools to discuss concerning statistics for education in Witham.

Priti Patel met with Nick Gibb, alongside representatives from Essex County Council (ECC), in an effort to tackle issues behind poor performance results.

Figures released in April showed both secondary schools in Witham fell below the national average for the amount of progress students made.

Following the meeting, Ms Patel said: “Essex County Council published a report in which the statistics for schools in my area were a cause for concern, with some schools falling below the county and national average.

“In the Witham constituency, we have some fantastic examples of schools doing tremendous work raising standards and helping children to achieve their potential.

“I am keen to build on this and ensure that good practices are shared.

“I was pleased to hear from Essex County Council that a number of schools are now working in partnership to share good practices and raise standards for all.”

At the meeting on July 23, Ms Patel and the Minister discussed performance figures for all schools across the constituency, from phonics assessments at Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 assessments.

They also discussed ways in which schools could improve teaching and learning methods to improve educational outcomes for all pupils.

Ms Patel added: “This year’s exam results will be published in August and they will be a good indicator to show whether the methods employed by the County Council to help schools have made an impact.”