The Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board are reporting steady gains in student achievement, even as the province announces a new expert advisory body to examine why overall provincial progress in EQAO results hasn’t met expectations.
Both boards released their 2024-25 EQAO outcomes this week, highlighting continued improvement since Ontario shifted to fully digital assessments in 2022.
At the Lambton Kent District School Board, officials say four years of consistent growth point to success in post-pandemic learning. Early literacy is a standout, with Grade 3 reading up ten percentage points since 2022. Writing and math scores in the primary division have also climbed, with math up eight points—surpassing provincial trends.
Junior and secondary math continue to track upward, including an eight-point rise in Grade 6 math and a ten-point jump in Grade 9 math. The number of Grade 9 students achieving Level 4 has doubled. Literacy remains a strength as well, with the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test improving by two points over four years.
“These results are positive for our students and reflect the incredible work happening at planning tables and in classrooms every day,” said LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi. “Students, staff and families should be proud of these achievements. We will continue to build on this momentum to ensure every student has the foundational tools to succeed.”
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board is also seeing upward movement in nearly every EQAO category, with seven of eight provincial assessment areas showing improvement. The most significant gains were in Grade 3 and 6 reading, both up seven points. Writing improved in both divisions, while Grade 9 math rose eight points over the previous year.
On the OSSLT, 88 per cent of first-time eligible students were successful—three points higher than last year and above the provincial average.
“St. Clair Catholic students have made important achievement gains,” said Director of Education Lisa Demers. “The growth demonstrated that our work with students is making a difference and that our staff is committed to helping all students achieve.”
Despite improvements in many regions, the province says broader systemic issues remain. Education Minister Paul Calandra said the latest results show “insufficient progress” across Ontario, particularly in mathematics, where half of Grade 6 students and 42 per cent of Grade 9 students are not meeting the provincial standard.
Calandra announced the creation of a two-member expert advisory body to conduct a comprehensive review of student assessment, curriculum alignment, teacher preparation, and supports for struggling learners. The initiative will operate alongside the government’s ongoing review of school board governance and trustee performance.
“The latest EQAO results show that more action is needed to support our students,” Calandra said. “We are taking decisive action to get students on track for stronger achievement.”
The advisory body will examine the root causes behind lagging provincial performance, fairness and alignment of EQAO tests, and how data can better inform classroom instruction and funding decisions. Recommendations will be delivered to the Minister and released publicly.
The province notes the review follows the passage of the Supporting Children and Students Act, which expands ministerial oversight of school board finances, governance and program performance. Ontario is also investing $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding for 2025–26, continuing its back-to-basics focus on literacy, math, special education supports and mental health services.
