Ontario has released its latest EQAO results, revealing that students across the province are still struggling in key areas, especially math. But in London and the surrounding region, Thames Valley District School Board says local students are making some of their strongest improvements in years.
Education Minister Paul Calandra said Wednesday the provincial results show student achievement “is not improving fast enough,” with half of Grade 6 students and 42 per cent of Grade 9 students not meeting the provincial standard in math. Calandra said the trend is “not acceptable,” and announced a new advisory review that will examine curriculum, teaching supports, and how standardized testing is delivered.
“Too many boards and trustees are distracted by matters that have nothing to do with student achievement, and this must change,” Calandra said at a Queen’s Park news conference.
Despite the provincial results, the TVDSB says its 2024–25 results are showing reasonable progress. According to the board, elementary students achieved their highest reading and math scores since EQAO assessments were modernized in 2021. Grade 6 reading climbed to 82 per cent, increasing by four points, and writing reached 81 per cent, up six points. Math results also improved, with 50 per cent of Grade 6 students meeting the standard.
At the secondary level, 52 per cent of Grade 9 students met the provincial math benchmark, a five-point increase that the board calls a “significant gain.”
“Every school team across Thames Valley has developed and implemented a school-based EQAO support plan,” said Kevin Auckland, Superintendent of Student Achievement. “This hard work is reflected in the results, where we are seeing historical gains in several assessments.”
The board says its Math Action Plan, which includes targeted teaching strategies, digital tools, and additional support staff, is helping to drive the improvements. Grade 3 writing still requires more attention, with only 56 per cent of students meeting the provincial standard.
Thames Valley says it will use the results to continue refining its Student Achievement Plan, with families expected to receive individual EQAO reports over the coming weeks.
For more information, EQAO results for all boards and schools are available on the organization’s website.
