Local students achieve higher-than-average EQAO results

GUELPH – Both local school boards saw improvements across all categories of tests from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for the 2024-25 school year.

The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) surpassed provincial averages in every category, while  the Wellington Catholic District School Board met the provincial average in two categories (Grade 9 math and literacy), and surpassed it in all others.

The standardized testing evaluates Grade 3, 6 and 9 students’ math and literacy skills, and results are used to guide resource allocation.

The results are presented as the percentage of students reaching or surpassing provincial standards, which means scoring a level 3 or 4.

Both boards had over five per cent more students meeting or surpassing standards than the provincial average in every category.

The most significant gains made by students in both boards were in Grade  3 reading (from 73% to 79% at the UGDSB and from 74% to 80% for the WCDSB). Provincial averages in this category grew from 71% to 74%.

Compared with last years’ results, more UGDSB students met provincial standards in every category except Grade 9 writing, which was the same rate as the year before.

“We are very proud of the progress our students are making,” stated UGDSB director of education Peter Sovran in a press release.

“These results show that our long-term strategies are working.”

UGDSB chair Ralf Mesenbrink added “Every student deserves to feel capable and confident in their learning.”

“We’re encouraged by this momentum and remain committed to helping all students grow and thrive.”

WCDSB scores were higher this year than last across every category.

Director of education Mike Glazier and board chair Vikki Dupuis said the EQAO results “reflect the commitment of our students and the dedication of our staff in supporting their success.”

“We are proud of all of their efforts in achieving these results,” they continued in a joint statement emailed to the Advertiser.

“We thoroughly review our EQAO results to find opportunities for improvement. We are diving deeper into the data to further understand our results and areas where our students can benefit from more support.”