National challenge for failing schools

May 2 2008 by William Green, The Journal

NORTH East schools not meeting a Government target to improve GCSE results could face closure.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls has set a target for 30% of students to gain five A*-C grades, including maths and English – but more than 20 schools do not currently meet that in the region.

Schools not reaching the target by 2011 will be subject to formal intervention, with closures considered by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) – though only as a “last resort”.

Mr Balls has unveiled a £200m “national challenge” programme to provide intensive support to schools. They could buy in help where needed, such as in English, maths or behaviour, or work in federations and trusts where stronger schools are funded to help “weaker” ones.

Last night, headteachers welcomed the focus on improving standards but warned there was no “magic solution” with results taking time to deliver. At All Saints College, in West Denton, Newcastle, headteacher David Scott said: “The new whiz-bang magic solutions normally don’t work. It is getting the basics right and getting the quality of learning and teaching.”

Steve Gater, headteacher of Walker Technology College, in Newcastle, said his school’s performance was high in a challenging environment but warned against arbitrary targets.

He said: “I just hope we don’t get into the Premier League situation where headteachers, like football managers, have got to produce unreasonable results in a year.”

And David Ford, head of achievement services at County Durham’s children and young people’s services, welcomed the national challenge programme – based on a London scheme – and accompanying funding.

He added that schools were already working together to improve results above the national average, with three not currently meeting the 30% target now expected to do so.

Newcastle City Council said it was always looking at how to build on already improving results and welcomed the opportunity to work with the Government to develop new initiatives.

A DCSF spokesman said the national challenge programme was about “targeted support” for schools that need it most. “This programme is not about closing schools. Closure is always a last resort and would only be considered after numerous avenues had been exhausted and all other options explored.”

The DCSF will set out its strategy this month with councils expected to have an action plan for low-attaining schools by the summer.

Falling below the national target

STATE schools where less than 30% of pupils got five or more A*-C GCSEs which included maths and English last year:

COUNTY DURHAM:

Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre

Moorside Community Technology College

Sunnydale Community College for Maths and Computing

Wellfield Community School, a Specialist Maths and Computing College

GATESHEAD:

Hookergate School

Kingsmeadow Community Comprehensive School

NEWCASTLE:

All Saints College

Benfield School

Walbottle Campus Technology College

Walker Technology College

West Gate Community College

NORTH TYNESIDE:

Churchill Community College

Norham Community Technology College

NORTHUMBERLAND:

Blyth Community College

Hirst High School

SOUTH TYNESIDE:

Jarrow School

SUNDERLAND:

Castle View School

Farringdon Community Sports College

Hylton Red House School

Pennywell School

Sandhill View School

Thornhill School