THE proportion of schools rated as 'good' or 'outstanding' in Wiltshire has fallen since last year, according to a report by the education watchdog Ofsted.

The annual report, published today, aims to give an overall view of the performance of early years, schools, further education and skills, and social care providers across the UK.

In Wiltshire, 82 per cent of primary schools were judged as 'good' or 'outstanding', down six per cent from the previous year and lower than the national and regional averages - 87 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.

Secondary schools in the county were performing above average, with 83 per cent 'good' or 'outstanding' (compared to 75 per cent nationally and 73 per cent in the south west), although this was still a three per cent drop from the previous year.

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The report also showed that six per cent of pupils enrolled in Wiltshire secondary schools had received one or more fixed period exclusion over the past year, lower than the national and regional averages (both at nine per cent).

Ofsted's south west director Bradley Simmons said he was "pleased" that outcomes for youngest children in the region continues to be above the national average.

But he said he was "concerned" about a four percentage point decline in inspection outcomes for primary and secondary schools, adding: "There is still much variation across the region's schools."

Mr Simmons added: "This year, Ofsted’s annual report is highlighting our growing concerns about exclusions.

"While the south west is right in line with the national average for fixed term exclusions, there are some places where exclusions are particularly high."