Agenda item

(CSP:3)

Purpose:  To inform Members of school performance in 2013.

Resolved that the content of the report be noted and the actions set out in the School Improvement Strategy 2013-15 be supported.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      Report is to note only

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Irene Neill introduced the report (Agenda Item 6) concerning school performance in 2013. The report explained the context of significant changes that national assessment systems were undergoing from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), through SATS for seven and eleven year olds, and GCSE to A level.

These changes, together with a more stringent Ofsted Schools’ Inspection Framework and the national spotlight on West Berkshire schools’ performance of pupils entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), had placed considerable pressure on school leaders, governing bodies and the Local Authority.

Performance in EYFS and for seven year olds in KS1 SATS continued to be very high and West Berkshire was among the top performing local authorities. Performance for eleven year olds in KS2 SATS had improved to above the national average. However, more improvement needed to be made in KS2, especially in mathematics and in boys’ writing, so that schools made good progress from the very strong performance of KS1. This was an area of focus for the School Improvement Team.

GCSE results had made a good recovery from the 2012 results which dipped slightly due to very disappointing English results. Results were now above average in the key indicator of five plus A*-C grades including English and Mathematics and progress rates were generally good. Mathematics was stronger than English where further improvement was needed.

A level results were in the top 25% of local authorities nationally, although there was significant variation across the ten secondary schools. The percentage of pupils attaining at the highest levels needed to improve in some schools.

Another focus of the School Improvement Team and the School Improvement Strategy was the attainment and progress of Pupil Premium children, especially those who qualified for FSMs.

The changes made to the School Improvement Team had helped produce a positive outcome and further improvements were predicted in 2014. The aim was to make the School Improvement Team the service of choice to all schools with the option to buy back the service, including academies. Councillor Neill asked the Executive to note the contents of the report and support the actions set out in the School Improvement Strategy.

Councillor David Allen was pleased to note the improvements being made. The report was very usefully clear in identifying areas where further improvement was needed in both the primary and secondary phases. Councillor Allen stated that he looked forward to seeing the outcome of the review into the additional resource allocated to school improvement and the achievements of the School Improvement Strategy 2013-15.

Councillor Allen then sought assurance that the funding allocated to school improvement would continue for the foreseeable future. Councillor Neill confirmed the intention to at least maintain current funding. Councillor Gordon Lundie added that school improvement was a particular area of focus for him as Leader. Investment in school improvement had led to improved performance and evidence from the review of the Strategy could result in increased investment.

Councillor Allen then referred to the key accountable measure to increase the proportion of pupils gaining five plus A*-C at GCSE including English and Mathematics to be above national levels (non-academies, not including special) and questioned how the target of >58% was set. Rachael Wardell explained that 58% was the national average and West Berkshire aimed for its achievement to be higher than the national average. Elaine Ricks added that this target had increased to >61% for 2014-15.

RESOLVED that the content of the report be noted and the actions set out in the School Improvement Strategy 2013-15 be supported.

Reason for the decision: N/a.

Other options considered: None.