Greater Sudbury — The Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) is proud to announce an overall improvement in student achievement as reflected in the latest Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results. These advancements highlight the dedication of the board’s students, educators, and families in supporting academic success. 

Percentage of SCDSB Grade 3 Students at or above the provincial standard for the 2024/2025 school year: 

• Mathematics: 42 per cent, up from 36 per cent the previous year.  

• Reading: 65 per cent, compared to 62 per cent the previous year.  

• Writing: 54 per cent, up from 50 per cent the previous year.  

Percentage of SCDSB Grade 6 Students at or above the provincial standard for the 2024/2025 school year: 

• Mathematics: 32 per cent, compared to 33 per cent the previous year.  

• Reading: 82 per cent, up from 76 per cent the previous year. 

• Writing: 79 per cent, a significant increase from 69 per cent the previous year.  

Percentage of SCDSB Grade 9 Students at or above the provincial standard for the 2024/2025 school year: 

• Mathematics: 55 per cent of students achieved at or above the provincial standard, compared to 49 per cent the previous year.  

Percentage of SCDSB Grade 10 students at or above the provincial standard for the 2024/2025 school year: 

• OSSLT: 83 per cent compared to 84 per cent the previous year.  

Director of Education Morris Hucal praised Sudbury Catholic Schools for their overall improvements, while noting that continued focus on mathematics remains a priority. 

“We are proud of the improvements being made across our schools. It is our goal to continue making students and their education our top priority, so their understanding deepens and their confidence grows,” he said. “While we recognize that there is still work to be done in mathematics, we remain fully committed to closing those gaps. This year, we have invested significant effort into our Math Action Plan, which is designed to strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and equip students with the tools they need to succeed. We are encouraged by the progress so far and will continue to work alongside our educators to ensure every student can thrive in math and beyond.” 

Among the schools that demonstrated overall improvement, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School (BAC) stood out as a top performer. The percentage of Grade 9 students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard in mathematics rose significantly, from 39 per cent the previous year to 64 per cent the 2024/2025 school year.  

Reflecting on this achievement, Principal of BAC, Karl Dreger, emphasized the collective effort behind the school’s success.  

“The gains our students have made in mathematics are remarkable and a testament to the commitment of our staff and the hard work of our students,” he said.

“Our teachers developed and brought into our school a math action plan through a high-yield strategies framework. Their efforts have created a strong foundation for continued growth, and we are looking forward to building on this success as we support our learners across all subjects in this school year and in the years ahead.” 

In a media release, Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, recently announced the launch of an advisory body to review the province’s standardized testing and student outcomes. The two-member advisory panel, expected to be named in the new year, will focus on identifying the causes of achievement gaps in math, reading, and writing. 

In response to the announcement, Chair of the Board Michael Bellmore expressed support for the review and highlighted the board’s ongoing commitment to student success. 

“We understand that the Minister of Education intends to review the EQAO testing process, and we welcome this initiative,” he said. “I believe any opportunity to gain deeper insight into what our learners need is invaluable. We look forward to using the findings from this review to refine our strategies and continue building on the progress we’ve made. In the meantime, we are celebrating the success of our increased achievement results and remain committed to putting students at the forefront, ensuring they receive the best supports possible.” 

For more information on EQAO results, visit https://www.eqao.com/results/.  

For more information on the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, visit https://www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/.  

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