Menu
19/11/2008
Many Children Let Down By 'Patently Inadequate' Services
More than a third of English schools are not giving pupils a decent education, according to inspectors.
Also, too many children and young people are receiving services that are "patently inadequate" - especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds - despite broad improvements across schools, children's services and further education, the annual Ofsted report revealed.
More than half of England's teenagers leave school without five GCSEs graded A to C, including maths and English.
In the third annual report, Chief Inspector of Schools, Christine Gilbert, said England must do better if it is to compare favourably with the rest of the world.
Ms Gilbert acknowledged that there has been a number of improvements in recent years in exam results and the quality of teaching in state schools.
However, she added: "There is still too much that is patently inadequate and too many instances where the rate of improvement is unacceptably low."
A strong link across every sector between deprivation and poor quality services was noted. In 2007, only 21% of children on free school meals achieved this benchmark, compared with 49% of other pupils.
Ms Gilbert said: "In short, if you are poor you are more likely to achieve poor services: disadvantage compounds disadvantage."
But, she continued saying it was possible to "buck this trend", and said the report did not highlight that "anyone's past or present circumstances should define their future".
Jim Knight, Schools Minister, said that he would "accelerate" the process of closing the gap in achievement between rich and poor. "Supporting the wider needs of children and families is at the heart of our Children’s Plan reforms to tackle disadvantage and poverty," he said.
The report found more than a third of schools (37 per cent) were found to be not good enough and given a rating of "satisfactory" or "inadequate".
"A decade ago, two-thirds of secondary age pupils left compulsory education with five good GCSEs, including English and maths - it is still more than half."
(JM)
Also, too many children and young people are receiving services that are "patently inadequate" - especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds - despite broad improvements across schools, children's services and further education, the annual Ofsted report revealed.
More than half of England's teenagers leave school without five GCSEs graded A to C, including maths and English.
In the third annual report, Chief Inspector of Schools, Christine Gilbert, said England must do better if it is to compare favourably with the rest of the world.
Ms Gilbert acknowledged that there has been a number of improvements in recent years in exam results and the quality of teaching in state schools.
However, she added: "There is still too much that is patently inadequate and too many instances where the rate of improvement is unacceptably low."
A strong link across every sector between deprivation and poor quality services was noted. In 2007, only 21% of children on free school meals achieved this benchmark, compared with 49% of other pupils.
Ms Gilbert said: "In short, if you are poor you are more likely to achieve poor services: disadvantage compounds disadvantage."
But, she continued saying it was possible to "buck this trend", and said the report did not highlight that "anyone's past or present circumstances should define their future".
Jim Knight, Schools Minister, said that he would "accelerate" the process of closing the gap in achievement between rich and poor. "Supporting the wider needs of children and families is at the heart of our Children’s Plan reforms to tackle disadvantage and poverty," he said.
The report found more than a third of schools (37 per cent) were found to be not good enough and given a rating of "satisfactory" or "inadequate".
"A decade ago, two-thirds of secondary age pupils left compulsory education with five good GCSEs, including English and maths - it is still more than half."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
01 March 2005
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
16 February 2005
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
26 November 2003
Teacher training schools have 'positive effect': Ofsted
The government's training schools programme has had "a very positive effect on initial teacher training (ITT)" and represents "good value for money", according to a new report launched today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
Teacher training schools have 'positive effect': Ofsted
The government's training schools programme has had "a very positive effect on initial teacher training (ITT)" and represents "good value for money", according to a new report launched today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
