Parents across the north and north-east were last night dismayed to learn of the rankings, and suggested it was down to staffing issues.
Others claimed the Curriculum for Excellence had been “rushed through” – while one mum said there should be more of a focus on “all-round education”, rather than simply reading and writing.
Iain Baikie, chairman of Newton Park Primary School Parent Council in Wick, said: “At the last parent council meeting the head teacher noted how difficult it was to recruit teachers.
“It puts undue pressure on the management team. What we have actually got happening now is not enough staff and a very full programme.
“I think the pressure is showing on the senior management team, but I think they are doing an absolutely fantastic job.
“The number of teachers who will move north of Inverness is limited. It’s clear that the politicians aren’t really listening.”
Sybil Wilson, chairwoman of St Peter’s RC school in Buckie, said: “I am quite surprised to learn that Moray’s P7 pupils are the worst in Scotland for listening and talking.
“It’s not something that I have experienced as a problem at St Peter’s, but that could be because we have adequate staffing here.
“It could be that the figures are down to inconsistent teaching methods in schools that suffer from shortages.
“I think our school does a good job, and as a parent I am satisfied with it.”
One parent, whose children attended Meldrum Academy, said the curriculum for excellence had been “rushed through”.
She added: “To be quite honest and truthful the curriculum for excellence was introduced before teachers were ready for it. Teachers were dealing with changing goalposts the whole time.”
But Westhill mum Frances Scott, 48 said: “I think we need to find a balance with a more all round education – it’s not just about reading and writing.”
