Hastings and Prince Edward Students Achieve Remarkable EQAO Growth

Students at the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) have demonstrated impressive growth in the latest Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments. Conducted in spring 2025, these assessments reflect notable advancements in student performance in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics compared to previous years.

The results indicate growth across seven out of eight assessments, with the sole exception being the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, which maintained the same performance level as the previous year. This upward trend highlights the effectiveness of the data-informed instructional strategies implemented across HPEDSB schools.

Assessment Highlights

The EQAO results reveal significant improvements in various grades. In Grade 3, the percentage of students meeting the provincial average for Reading increased to 72 percent, up from 65 percent in 2024. For Writing, 58 percent of students achieved the provincial average, rising from 55 percent the previous year. In Mathematics, 60 percent met the provincial average, an increase from 56 percent.

Grade 6 assessments also showed remarkable progress. In Reading, 82 percent of students achieved the provincial average, a significant rise from 73 percent in 2024. Writing results improved dramatically as well, with 82 percent meeting the average compared to 70 percent the year before. Mathematics saw a growth to 46 percent, up from 39 percent.

In Grade 9, the results for Destreamed Mathematics reflected a similar positive trend, with 46 percent achieving the provincial average, an increase from 36 percent. Meanwhile, Grade 10 Literacy scores held steady, with 74 percent of students meeting the provincial benchmarks, maintaining the same level as in 2024.

Looking Ahead

Katherine MacIver, Director of Education, expressed cautious optimism regarding these results. “While there is still work to be done, we are encouraged that our system’s focused attention to improving literacy and numeracy skills has resulted in progress,” she stated. MacIver emphasized that this data, although a snapshot in time, indicates that the educational strategies being employed are effective.

Following these results, HPEDSB staff will analyze the detailed EQAO data to identify effective practices and areas needing further enhancement. This ongoing evaluation aims to ensure that every learner receives the support they require to succeed.

The full assessment results will be presented at the upcoming public Board Meeting scheduled for January 2026.