The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) continues to see an overall upward positive trend in newly released standardized test results by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
Assessment results in Grade 3 Reading, Writing, and Mathematics show the most significant improvement. Grade 3 Reading has risen over the past three years from 62% of students who were successful in 2022-2023 to 68% in 2024-2025. Over the same period, Grade 3 Writing has increased from 50% to 57% in the latest results. Most notably, Grade 3 Mathematics has jumped by as much as 14% over three years, from 48% to 62% this past year.
Gains have also been made at the Grade 6 level. In Grade 6 Reading, there has been an increase from 76% over the previous two years to 79% in 2024-2025, while Grade 6 Writing now sits at 78% compared to 73% three years ago. Grade 6 Mathematics has remained unchanged at 39% over the past three years.
Grade 9 Mathematics dipped slightly this past year to 49% from 52% in 2023-2024, though is just above the 48% mark from three years ago.
In the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), there was a slight decline to 82% from 86% the previous year. However, the 2024-2025 result is 7% higher than 75% in 2022-2023.
While BWDSB EQAO results remain generally below provincial averages, the gap is closing, especially in Grade 3 assessments, demonstrating the ongoing hard work and effective strategies of staff in addressing areas for improvement in numeracy and literacy.
| Year | Grade 3 Reading | Grade 3 Writing | Grade 3 Math | Grade 6 Reading | Grade 6 Writing | Grade 6 Math | Grade 9 Math | OSSLT |
| 2024-25 | 68% | 57% | 62% | 79% | 78% | 39% | 49% | 82% |
| 2023-24 | 64% | 56% | 55% | 76% | 71% | 39% | 52% | 86% |
| 2022-23 | 62% | 50% | 48% | 76% | 73% | 39% | 48% | 75% |
“These results are a testament to the dedication and resilience of our students, educators, and school communities,” said Superintendent of Education Keith Lefebvre. “The steady upward trend in literacy and mathematics achievement, especially in our primary grades, reflects our ongoing commitment to evidence-based instruction and targeted supports. While we celebrate these successes, we remain focused on continuous improvement and closing achievement gaps, ensuring every student in Bluewater has the opportunity to excel. Our collective efforts are making a real difference, and we are proud of the progress we are achieving together.”
