real ofsted RSC Conflicts Pages 18 and 19 must academies reform of interest: share their required THE LIST land? Page 15
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SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 | EDITION 22
Grey Coat Hospital School £96 Ninety six pounds only
DAVID CAMERON
From left: Michael Gove and David Cameron Gove and PM school makes forbidden donation request P12 Requesting money on admission breaches Gove’s own rules I like structure £96 ‘donation’ to School Fund for year 7; £120 for sixth form and a routine. JOHN DICKENS Schools Week can reveal. @JOHNDICKENSSW Exclusive In the past week, it has emerged that the prime That’s just the minister’s daughter would be attending The Grey The state secondary school selected by Coat Hospital in September, the Westminster school way I am David Cameron and Michael Gove for their daughters where the former education secretary’s daughter is PROFILE: appears to have breached school admission laws by asking parents for money when offering them a place, Continued on page 2 Dame Oremi Evans
PUPIL PREMIUM In a five-part series,Schools Week is exploring the way vulnerable groups of learners have been treated under the Coalition Pages 10 & 11 2 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 EDITION 22 NEWS Is this a case of ‘Gove us your money’? SCHOOLS WEEK TEAM JOHN DICKENS CONTINUED school can study ancient Greek, Editor: Laura McInerney @JOHNDICKENSSW FROM FRONT Mandarin and Japanese. Head designer: Nicky Phillips But the school could now face an already a pupil. Office of the Schools Adjudicator Designer: Rob Galt Parents at the Church of England school investigation. Sub editor: Jill Craven – which is less than a mile from Downing A letter sent to prospective sixth- Street – have claimed they were asked for form parents this month asks them Senior reporter: Sophie Scott a payment of £96 when joining Year 7 of to choose whether to accept or Senior reporter: Ann McGauran the school, the entry route intended for the refuse a place. Camerons and taken by the Goves. The letter also includes the line Senior reporter: John Dickens A letter sent out to confirm offers of places “I enclose a cheque for £120 for Senior reporter: Freddie Whittaker in the school sixth form also sought a £120 School Fund” above where the cheque for school funds. On that letter, which student and parent are asked to Reporter: Billy Camden Schools Week has seen, there is no opt-out. It sign and return the form. Photographer: Ellis O’Brien simply notes that the parent should enclose a No further information about cheque. the fund is given on that sheet. Cartoonist: Stan Dupp Both politicians refused to respond when A separate letter, sent in the Financials: Helen Neilly asked by Schools Week whether they had paid same envelope, read: “If you the school. confirm your offer of a place … Victoria Boyle Requesting money from prospective then we ask you to pay School Sales manager: Hannah Smith parents breaches the national admissions Fund, which for sixth form is set code, which states that schools cannot at £120 per annum.” Sales administrator: Jasmin Fergus-Aghamiri request financial contributions as any part It continues: “Paying School Administration: Frances Ogefere Dell of the admissions process. That includes Fund is an important way of voluntary contributions, donations or showing us that you are serious Contributors: Alison Talbot refundable deposits. about taking up a place with us Janet Downs Another London secondary school – in Year 12 in September.” Camden School for Girls – was censured But clause 1.9n of the Schools Steve Munby by the admissions watchdog for simply Admission Code states admission Harry Fletcher-Wood including a letter about donations with their authorities “must not request Jeni Hooper acceptance forms. financial contributions (either Jack Marwood The disclosure will strengthen calls for an in the form of voluntary overhaul of school admission policies. Last contributions, donations or month, former superhead Dame Sally Coates deposits, even if refundable) called for a national review amid concerns of as any part of the admissions Managing director: Shane Mann underhand selection tactics. process.” And tweet us your thoughts @schoolsweek or Officials are swamped with complaints, Grey Coat refused to comment with the hashtag #schoolsweek mostly from parents, about schools breaking when approached by Schools the code. Last year the Office of the Schools Week, despite repeated phone calls and a Grey Coat has been reprimanded subscribe Adjudicator dealt with 274 cases, up from 162 reporter visiting the school. previously over its admissions: in November For an annual subscription to Schools Week for in the previous year. This is on top of local A prospectus published by the school 2013, it was judged to use an “unfair” points just £50 visit www.schoolsweek.co.uk and click admissions appeals processes. says parents are under “no obligation” to system to score prospective parents and on ‘subscribe’ at the top of the page. Fiona Millar, from Comprehensive contribute. pupils on their church activities. www.schoolsweek.co.uk Future, which campaigns for fairer schools The latest accounts show the school The situation is particularly embarrassing or call 020 8123 4778 to subscribe admissions policies, said: “Successive received £162,000 from private donations in for Mr Gove, who was the secretary of governments have completely fudged looking 2012-13. state responsible for simplification of the at the huge range of problems that now exist In a submission to the OSA when admissions code. In 2011 he said the code ADVERTISE WITH US [in the schools admission system]. challenged on its similar admissions letter, was “bureaucratic and unfair”, adding: “You If you are interested in placing a product or “We want to see a complete review after the Camden School for Girls said many parents shouldn’t have to hire a lawyer to navigate job advert in a future edition please click on election. Labour was promising that, but we did not return the deposit and it had no the school system.” the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page on schoolsweek.co.uk or contact: haven’t heard much from them.” bearing on them being offered a place. As Grey Coat is an academy, he was also Grey Coat is one of the capital’s most But schools adjudicator Ann Talboys said the signatory on a government contract with E: [email protected] sought after state schools and gets more than the requested deposit gave the impression of the school stipulating that it must abide by T: 020 81234 778 six applicants for every place. Pupils at the being required and so breached the rules. the code.
Disclaimer Schools Week is owned and published by Lsect Ltd. The views expressed within the publication are those of the authors Religious admissions also part of problem named, and are not necessarily those of Schools Week, Lsect Ltd or any of its employees. While we try to ensure that the Grey Coat Hospital School was reprimanded in A review into school admissions from information we provide is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of our material. 2013 for scoring prospective parents on church Research and Information on State Education The design of the printed newspaper and of the website is copyright of Lsect Ltd and material from the newspaper activities. (RISE) last week also highlighted the importance should not be reproduced without prior permission. If you The British Humanist Association (BHA) is of strong regulation. wish to reproduce an article from either the printed paper or the website, both the article’s author and Schools Week a member of the Fair Admissions Campaign, Chief school adjudicator Elizabeth Passmore, must be referenced (to not do so, would be an infringement on copyright). which is pushing to end religious selection speaking at the launch raised concerns about Lsect Ltd is not responsible for the content of any external state-funded schools. how the ‘fair banding’ system is used in schools. internet sites linked to. Please address any complaints to the editor. We are fully Pavan Dhaliwal, BHA director or public An investigation by Schools Week last week committed to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint which cannot be resolved by affairs, said these schools often have “extremely showed how a school in Northamptonshire the editor, write to the Press Complaints Commission, Halton complex” policies. Adding: “It is less common used a ‘fair banding’ entrance test, commonly House, 22—23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD for schools to be asking for cheques in this way, used to select a spread of learners into a school, although this is not the first time we have seen and yet had very few low ability learners in its Learning & Skills Events, this either. cohort. non-verbal reasoning test on an assessment day. Consultancy and Training Ltd “Much more needs to be done to ensure that Grey Coats’ 12-page admission policy states Key Stage four performance tables show the 161-165 Greenwich High Road religious schools comply with the 15 places are offered to language students with number of pupils at the school who were low London SE10 8JA School Admissions Code, and the Code itself a fair banding system used to get a “balanced attaining on entry was only six (4 per cent) for T: 020 8123 4778 E: [email protected] needs tightening up in order to reduce ability intake” for the remaining 136 places. last year’s GCSE sitters. The majority of pupils, 86 religious selection.” Prospective pupils have to sit a literacy and (57 per cent), were in the high attaining bracket. SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 3 NEWS Progress 8 ignores success of lower-ability pupils
These scores are then factored into a Ann McGauran schools overall Progress 8 measure, which NEW POINT SCORE SCALE FOR LEGACY GCSES @annmcgauran will be a main performance indicator for GCSE GRADE 2016 POINTS 2017 POINTS school. A low score can mean a school is Exclusive required to become an academy, or be taken G 1 1 over by another sponsor. F 2 1.5 Ms McMullen said: “The issue hinges on Schools adding value around the bottom there being fewer exam marks between an F E 3 2 of the ability range during the transition and G grade than there are between an A and D 4 3 from legacy GCSEs to the new 1 to 9 a B. They (the Government) believe there is grading system will get “significantly less less stretch and so it is worth less. But – it’s C 5 4 recognition” within the new Progress just plain wrong.” 8 headline score, claims the leader of a In 2018 most GCSEs taken at 16 will be in B 6 5.5 successful academy trust. reformed subjects. Ms McMullen added that A 7 7 Progress 8 aims to capture the progress the issue “won’t exist by 2019 because the pupils make from the end of primary weighting will have shifted – but there is a A* 8 8.5 school to the end of secondary school. It will big problem in the interim phase and it looks Source: Progress and Measure in 2016 and 2017: Guide for Maintained Secondary Schools, replace the current five A*-C GCSE grades, unfixable”. Academies and Free Schools February 2015 including English and maths, league table Her concerns were echoed by head Vic measure and will be one of the main ways Goddard of Passmores Academy in Harlow, schools’ performance will be compared Essex who worries that leaders will be from 2016. encouraged to “game” their results. But the executive head of the David Young “There could be pressure to concentrate on Academy in Leeds, Ros McMullen, told higher-achieving students. I hope this isn’t Schools Week that planned changes to GCSE the case for the majority of heads, but point scores when grading moves from a some are under so much pressure that letter to a numerical scale in 2017 for English (gaming) is an option they might be tempted and maths will unfairly lower the Progress 8 to take”. score of low ability pupils. Ms McMullen said the effects of the Progress 8 is calculated for each pupil by transition period would “encourage people comparing their average grade across eight to game, as the schools will be rewarded subjects at key stage 4 with the average more for working with the more able. That grade of all pupils nationally who had takes us to a dangerous place in many Ros McMullen: “schools will be rewarded for working with the more able” a similar prior attainment. It is calculated ways”. using assessment results from the end of A spokesperson for the Department primary school, with individual scores for Education said the concerns were then combined to achieve one score for “misleading”, and that the new system was a school. “actually fairer for schools with pupils who In 2016, there will be one point score may be expected to get lower grades”. allocated to each grade. But in 2017, when He added: “Pupils are compared to the new grading scale kicks in, a student others at a similar level, and every increase moving up a grade from A to A* receives in grade attracts additional points in a point score increment three times that of school performance tables – a vast someone moving from a G to an F grade improvement on the existing headline (see table). measure where only the achievements of Crucially, there is a 1.5 point gain for a pupils working at the C/D grade boundary student who gets an A* rather than an A, are recognised.” while a less able student moving from a G to There are no plans at present to change the an F grade would gain only half a point. point score weightings. Vic Goddard: “there could be pressure to concentrate on higher-achieving pupils” Local authorities must act when children’s centres fail, says minister
SOPHIE SCOTT She asked: “Would you be looking at a found to be outstanding – there’s a big shrug for intervention in poorly performing @SOPH_E_SCOTT situation where you would put children’s and you say ‘oh well, it’s up to the local early years settings. centres into special measures?” authorities’. “Children’s centres are not the same as Childcare minister Sam Gyimah says the Mr Gyimah said: “Local authorities are “Well, we don’t accept that in schools schools, they are different in different parts government will not step in when children’s responsible for it, but you would expect to and if anything the early years should be of the country.” centres underperform as it does when see them taking the appropriate action.” more important than schools for getting During the session My Gyimah also butted schools fail. Chair Graham Stuart pushed him further. essentially just outcomes for children, which heads with Labour’s Alex Cunningham over The education select committee on “Failing schools are not allowed anymore. all of us want.” the number of children’s centres that have Wednesday heard evidence from Mr Gyimah Something is done, it is taken seriously, and After Mr Gyimah complained that the closed. Mr Cunningham said the number about Sure Start children’s centres and the if we have certain patterns in a particular committee was interjecting each time he had fallen from 3,631 to 2,861, but Mr Gyimah government’s plans for improving early cluster we get minister speeches responded, Mr Stuart said that insisted only 124 had closed. years education. and a major rush to act and members were going as “gentle Fullfact, an independent fact-checking Mr Gyimah (pictured), who has been in support and increase rigour.” as they could on him”, but that he organisation, reported last year that the post for eight months, was told by Caroline Reiterating that a belief in early should “just answer the question”. difference was due to interpretation of the Nokes MP that fewer than half of children’s intervention was held across Mr Gyimah said that early phrase “closure”. Mr Gyimah’s figures only centres were deemed “good”, and that government, Mr Stuart added: “Yet intervention should be “taken included centres that closed outright. Mr between April and June last year just three it seems that [when] only three per seriously” but confirmed that local Cunningham’s figures included centres that per cent were found to be “outstanding”. cent of children’s centres can be authorities were responsible merged or reorganised. 4 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 NEWS PSHE teacher slump in face of £700 course fee
SOPHIE SCOTT PARTICIPATION FIGURES FOR THE NATIONAL PHSE CPD PROGRAMME of delivering it is by having trained teachers who are experts in PSHE.” YEAR REGISTRATIONS COMPLETIONS @Soph_E_Scott The association’s guidance says: “As part 2007-08 1,723 1,356 of learning about consent, pupils must learn Exclusive that the law is clear that sexual activity is 2008-09 1,471 978 illegal for young people under the age of 16. The number of teachers training in personal, 2009-10 1,937 1,331 “We know, however, that some young social, health and economics (PSHE) people are sexually active before 16 and education has fallen 90 per cent, according 2010-11 334 282 learning about healthy relationships is to figures released by the education select 2011-12 202 170 crucial to keeping them healthy and safe from committee. abuse and exploitation. After the coalition stopped funding free 2012-13 175 145 “Recognising that some young people will access to accredited PSHE courses, the be sexually active before the age of 16 does 2013-14 175 141 numbers in the scheme fell from 1,937 in 2010 not equate to encouraging underage sexual to just 175 last year. to train “hundreds”. Last year, the education select committee activity.” Only 141 of that number completed the A spokesperson said: “This means there called for PSHE and SRE to be made A DfE spokesperson said: “We want to see course, run by the University of Roehampton, are thousands of teachers out there who have statutory. all young people leave school prepared for which now costs £700. not received the necessary training to deliver Committee member and Labour MP, Pat life in modern Britain. This means not only In an article for The Sunday Times, lessons on issues that are often complex and Glass, has raised concerns about the falling ensuring young people receive a rigorous education secretary Nicky Morgan wrote challenging to teach.” number of teachers trained to deliver the academic education, but also helping them of complaints from parents who felt their Lucy Emmerson of the Sex Education subject. to develop important personal skills and daughters were under pressure to have sex. Forum said: “What is needed is a commitment In a committee session she questioned Ms attributes and develop their emotional She also described plans for “consent to make sex and relationships education Morgan’s recent announcement of a £10m wellbeing. classes” to be taught to children as young (SRE) and PSHE statutory in all schools. fund for “character education” projects. “We are ensuring teachers have high- as 11. “There is a big difference between the “That would have trained 14,000 teachers quality resources and appropriate support The PSHE Association has drafted government supporting the new consent at £700 each on the Roehampton course. In and guidance so they can tackle the issues guidance for the lessons and it is understood guidance, which is essentially optional for terms of government money . . . £10 million is facing young people today. We will also raise the Department for Education (DfE) will schools, and the government guaranteeing not a great deal if we are really serious about the status of PSHE to recognise those schools include it in the PSHE syllabus. that all children and young people receive training teachers. that are already providing pupils with a The association said that while it provided good quality SRE – which requires a change “One of the consistent pieces of evidence well-rounded curriculum, and ensure all training on “specific aspects” of PSHE in legislation and investment in training for that we have had is that if you are going to parents can be confident their child’s school education it only had the resources teachers.” deliver this, deliver it well - and the best way is providing a curriculum for life.” Commission Nuffield pilot promises one school a ‘head of wellbeing’ BILLY CAMDEN members @BILLY CAMDEN
What’s better in a school – a free fitness announced facility or an employee dedicated to SOPHIE SCOTT AND BILLY CAMDEN “wellbeing”? [email protected] In the case of a new scheme created by Nuffield Health, schools won’t have to choose, School reform minister Nick Gibb last month they could get both. announced a teacher-led commission on The not-for-profit health organisation has asked willing secondaries to apply for a pilot “assessment without levels” to highlight best scheme in which one selected school will practice assessment models. receive a fully-equipped state-of-the-art fitness The group’s members were revealed facility and have a wellbeing strategy planned on Monday and met for the first time the and led by a seconded “head of wellbeing”. following day. Nuffield Health will lead, fund and evaluate Nuffield says its initiative has the potential to transform wellbeing Alongside representatives from Ofsted and the two-year initiative. Schools need to have in schools Ofqual, the commission members include an Ofsted rating of “requires improvement” four former or current headteachers: John or better to take part. minister of state for care and support, told must have the full support of senior McIntosh, Shahed Ahmed, Mark Neild and Speaking about the initiative, Ruth Holden, Schools Week that the Department of Health leadership. Alison Peacock. Two directors of researchers: principal at Bonus Pastor Catholic College in expect to publish a new survey in 2017. Dr Andrew Jones, Nuffield Health’s Daisy Christodolou at charity Ark and Sam Bromley, Kent, said: “The opportunity for a Conservative MP, Dr Sarah Wollaston, managing director, said: “We are looking for Freedman at TeachFirst. The final members school to work on this initiative would bring chair of the health select committee, has also a school to take part in our pilot who shares much needed investment and expertise. offered support for the Nuffield programme. our vision for a healthy, productive and are Natalie Packer, an independent special “The creation of a tailored strategy that “Young people who are experiencing creative environment. educational needs consultant, and Durham would be managed and coordinated by a head mental health problems benefit from support “This initiative has the potential to University professor Robert Coe. of wellbeing would bring together all that we at the earliest opportunity. transform wellbeing in schools, by providing Questions were raised on social media about currently do in this area, which would make “It is vital too, to focus on prevention and effective support and infrastructure, setting the appropriateness of calling it a “teacher- a huge difference within our local school wellbeing and I am delighted to support this a benchmark for UK primary and secondary led” commission, given the panel make-up. community.” pilot of a head of wellbeing in schools, as it schools to aspire to.” A Department for Education spokesperson The pilot comes at a time when mental has the potential to benefit staff and pupils An independent evaluation of the pilot will said: “This is a teacher-led commission health and wellbeing is much debated in alike.” be carried out by the Work Foundation, a and it is misleading to say otherwise. Half education. To be in with a shot, applicants must provider of research-based analysis, when it the commission’s members – including the A recent investigation by Schools Week provide a clear view of current wellbeing- concludes in 2017. chairman - are current headteachers who revealed there are no up-to-date figures on activities at their school and describe how The closing date for applicants is April 17 will draw on their considerable experience of how many under-18s suffer from a mental these could be built on. They also must say and the winner will be notified by June 1. illness. The last data was published in 2004. how the proposal would benefit the whole teaching.” You can apply at Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb, the school community and their application www.nuffieldhealth.com/school. Introducing
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SOPHIE SCOTT SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: WHERE THIS WEEK’S 49 NEW SCHOOLS WILL BE @SOPH_E_SCOTT NORTHUMBERLAND
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
The prime minister has announced the LONDON MAGNIFIED NORTH TYNESIDE
GATESHEAD SOUTH TYNESIDE approval of a further 49 free schools, the last SUNDERLAND
CUMBRIA batch before the general election. DURHAM
He also revealed that a future Conservative HARTLEPOOL STOCKTON-ON-TEES ENFIELD DARLINGTON
REDCAR AND government would create 500 free schools CLEVELAND
BARNET MIDDLESBROUGH with an extra 270,000 school places. WALTHAM HARINGEY FOREST HARROW REDBRIDGE GREATER LONDON David Cameron said the free schools NORTH YORKSHIRE HAVERING
HILLINGDON BRENT HACKNEY CAMDEN ISLINGTON programme was the “most successful” BARKING & DAGENHAM BLACKPOOL LANCASHIRE NEWHAM TOWER BLACKBURN HAMLETS CITY OF WITH programme in recent British history, leaning EALING CITY OF DARWEN WESTMINSTER LONDON HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM YORK BRADFORD SOUTHWARK on a report by think-tank Policy Exchange to KENSINGTON & CHELSEA EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE GREENWICH LEEDS SEFTON CALDERDALE HOUNSLOW support his claim. BEXLEY LAMBETH ISLE OF WANDSWORTH BURY WAKEFIELD KINGSTONCITY UPON OF HULL ANGLESEY KNOWSLEY KIRKLEES RICHMOND UPON THAMES LEWISHAM FLINTSHIRE ST HELENS WIGAN The report, published on Monday, the same WIRRAL BARNSLEY DONCASTER NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE day as the prime minister’s announcement, MERTON WARRINGTON HALTON CONWY SHEFFIELD KINGSTON STOCKPORT UPON THAMES ROTHERHAM NE LINCOLNSHIRE claimed that free schools increased the DENBIGHSHIRE CHESHIRE BROMLEY
SUTTON performance of nearby weaker maintained CROYDON WREXHAM GWYNEDD DERBYSHIRE schools. CITY OF STOKE-ON- TRENT NOTTINGHAM- CITY OF SHIRE DERBY LINCOLNSHIRE “[Free schools] are creating more good STAFFORDSHIRE TELFORD AND WREKIN CITY OF school places for our children. What NOTTINGHAM SHROPSHIRE these schools have achieved is, frankly, LEICESTERSHIRE CITY OF LEICESTER remarkable,” Mr Cameron said. schools would “blow a giant CEREDIGION BIRMINGHAM RUTLAND POWYS
NORFOLK “They’re more likely to be good or £4 billion hole” in the school PEMBROKESHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE
CITY OF COUNTY OF PETERBOROUGH HEREFORDSHIRE outstanding. In fact, free schools are twice buildings budget. CARMARTHENSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE ENGLAND CAMBRIDGESHIRE as likely to be judged ‘outstanding’ as other “This would condemn NORTHAMPTON- BLAENAU MERTHYR GWENT SHIRE TYDFIL
SWANSEA MILTON schools inspected at the same time. And, thousands more children to KEYNES
NEATH TORFAEN PORT TALBOT MONMOUTHSHIRE BEDFORD- SHIRE SUFFOLK RHONDDA, GLOUCESTERSHIRE remember, they’ve only been going for a inadequate and crumbling CYNON, TAFF CAERPHILLY BRIDGEND BUCKING- HAMSHIRE couple of years at most.” classrooms and jeopardise our efforts to LUTON
THE VALE OF NEWPORT OXFORDSHIRE GLAMORGAN SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE CARDIFF CITY OF The UK Statistics Authority last year said it ensure there are enough school places BRISTOL
N SOMERSET ESSEX was too early to draw conclusions about the “The Tories have already set out plans BATH AND SWINDON NE SOMERSET 29 WEST BERKSHIRE GREATER 28 25 LONDON overall performance of free schools, given the to decimate WILTSHIRE 26 27 THURROCK small number so far inspected. budgets for SOMERSET SOUTHEND-ON-SEA DEVON Most of the 49 new schools announced on schools, nurseries HAMPSHIRE SURREY
MEDWAY
Monday are in the south of England. More and colleges – CORNWALL DORSET 23 KENT than half are in London boroughs. now they are WEST SUSSEX 21 22 24 EAST SUSSEX Areas that neighbour London - Kent, Surrey admitting capital TORBAY CITY OF PLYMOUTH ISLE OF WIGHT and Hertfordshire - will also get four between budgets would BRIGHTONCITY OF& HOVE them. be under attack Only one school in the north east was under a majority granted approval: alternative provision Conservative government as well. HOW THE SCHOOLS ADD UP school Sunderland Centre of Opportunity. “You simply can’t build a world-class system TYPE OF SCHOOL NUMBER OF FREE SCHOOLS TO OPEN And only one free school has been approved of education unless it is properly funded. 16 TO 19 1 in the Midlands. The Olive School in We need to protect education budgets in real MAINSTREAM 1 ALL-THROUGH 7 Birmingham, a primary, is part of a chain terms and make sure all new schools are built ALTERNATIVE PROVISION 1 granted three new schools on Monday. in the areas where they are needed.” MAINSTREAM 2 Twenty-four of the new schools will Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt SPECIAL 4 be secondaries; five of these will be said: “It’s very difficult to know how much PRIMARY 17 alternative provision. But almost all of the these schools are costing. We have seen £250 MAINSTREAM 16 SPECIAL 1 49 are mainstream schools, with just nine million wasted on providing free schools in SECONDARY 24 alternative provision or special schools. areas they are not needed. That means that ALTERNATIVE PROVISION 5 Schools minister and Liberal Democrat MP parents in areas of high demand can’t get MAINSTREAM 19 David Laws said the plan for 500 more free their kid into a local school.” TOTAL 49 Durham free school backs down on ‘Noise’ issues prompt planning Reading opens consultation to find a plans to appeal against closure rethink on Khalsa site site for controversial free school Durham Free School will not be seeking a judicial review The government is thinking again about its decision to allow the A public consultation to find a location for a controversial against its forced closure. free school Khalsa Secondary Academy to remain at its current free primary school in Berkshire started this week. location. The school was told two weeks ago that education Reading Borough Council is carrying out the Communities secretary Eric Pickles last year granted the school secretary Nicky Morgan was terminating its funding permission to stay at premises in the south Buckinghamshire consultation on behalf of the Education Funding Agency agreement and that it would close on March 27. village of Stoke Poges. (EFA), which Schools Week revealed last September spent The governing body had threatened legal action His decision followed a local planning inspector’s refusal to £1.2 million buying a three-bedroom house in High Ridge, against Ms Morgan if she remained part of the decision- a planning application for the Sikh ethos secondary school to Caversham, as a site for the 350-pupil The Heights. making process. continue using the site. A week before the local and parish councils were due to take Residents complained it was not a suitable location. Chair of governors John Denning said: “Even if the government to the High Court over Mr Pickles’ decision, the The EFA also raised the wrath of the local council after it successful, [the judicial review] would do little to assure Department for Communities and Local Government announced installed 2m-high gates without planning permission. the school stayed open. that it would re-think the decision due to noise issues. “Our priority must be to focus on helping the children A department spokesperson said: “Having reviewed the The Heights has since opened on a temporary site at a and their families who have been so badly affected by this representations on a technical point of planning law, we have former nursery, and is expected to move to a permanent terrible miscarriage of justice, and to make their last days decided to redetermine the appeal. base from next September. “We will undertake a fresh assessment of the noise issues at the school, which has become like a second family to The Caversham site is one of five possible locations. The relating to this proposed new school and the appeal will be many, as happy and celebratory as possible.” carefully reconsidered.” consultation ends with a public meeting on March 25. Cambridge Nationals in Creative
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Former free school head charged with fraud
SOPHIE SCOTT alleged financial irregularities at the the strongest and most proactive defence with this case. @SOPH_E_SCOTT school, which opened in 2011. It had to these charges, we will be examining all “Having carefully considered all of also been investigated by the Education of the evidence available and seeking all the evidence presented to us, we have A free school’s former principal has vowed Funding Agency in 2013. relevant information. concluded that there is sufficient evidence to clear his name after he was charged with Mr Raza was arrested in January last “The investigation process has been a to charge Sajid Hussain Raza with a multiple fraud offences. year and later dismissed from the school. difficult period for Mr Raza. Now he has range of offences relating to his Sajid Raza, founder of the Kings Science During the school’s first year it was been charged, he will be working with involvement with the Kings Science Academy in Bradford, was last week visited by prime minister David Cameron Rahman Ravelli to try and establish his Academy, Bradford, and that it is in the charged with three offences of fraud by who said he was “very impressed”. innocence.” public interest to do so.” abuse of position, three offences of false Questions regarding management of the Julian Briggs, reviewing lawyer, Mr Raza is due to appear at Leeds accounting, two offences of obtaining a academy have been raised in Parliament. complex casework unit, Crown Prosecution Magistrates’ Court shortly. money transfer by deception, and one A statement from Rahman Ravelli Service (CPS) Yorkshire and Humberside, The school is now known as Dixons offence of fraud by false representation. Solicitors, issued on behalf of Mr Raza, said: “The CPS has been working closely Kings after joining the Dixons Academy It follows a police investigation into said: “In order to provide Mr Raza with with West Yorkshire Police in connection chain.
EDITOR’S COMMENT @miss_mcinerney | [email protected]
ome things can’t be unseen. It was therefore unsurprising (if impressions that unless you have a cheque a long hard look at the School Admissions We have written several stories dispiriting) to hear about a school asking book and a hundred quid lying around Code is overdue. Sabout schools fiddling about with for a large upfront donation as part of spare then “you aren’t welcome here”. Cameron now finds this issue on his admissions. There was London Academy its place offer pack. It was, however, And that’s a nonsense. doorstep and has the power to commit to of Excellence, which failed to re-enroll flabbergasting to realise there was a good Every comprehensive school in the such a review. Some things can’t students with inconveniently low AS chance the PM and a former education state-funded system ought to be equally be unseen – and this should be grades. The Doncaster free school, this secretary had paid it. open. That’s precisely why the school one of them. week approved, who were offering £500 Anyone who has ever had the cheek- admissions code is so ruthless on the to bright students in return for signing reddening embarrassment of having to point of donation requests. But sixteen- up. And just last week we wrote how ‘fair go into a school and say they can’t pay page codes, point scores for privilege banding’ in one Northamptonshire school for something, will tell you this sort of and skewed entrance tests also serve was used to select a highly able cohort of request puts people off accepting a place to keep “those not like us” out in the pupils. if they don’t have the money. It gives the cold. It’s unfair, unnecessary and why SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 9
READERS’ WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU @SCHOOLSWEEK [email protected] email tweet WEBSITE REPLY WWW.SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK Assessment Without Levels Commission: manager] role is less important than the standing of the post “Free schools drive up Nick Gibb leads hunt for new primary within the school,and the perception amongst colleagues. standards in other schools” Policy assessment solutions A headteacher needs to demonstrate to colleagues, the importance of the role in order to give the position the Exchange claims Ian Lynch, Staffordshire recognition it deserves, and then of course, to reward the postholder on a par with other school leaders. reply of the week Certainly in KS3 we are showing with the Nicholas Holmes Computing baseline test taken by 60,000 pupils so far, that Research review: Education Endowment it is perfectly possible to judge progress without levels and Foundation evaluation reports of two with a lot less hassle to teachers because the analysis is all randomised control trials of Mathematics On the Today Programme, done automatically and fed back to them. KS1 is probably Mastery, an Ark-sponsored programme it was mentioned that the more difficult because of the need to be able to take an on-line test but not impossible with relatively Robbie Coleman, Research and worst local schools got modest investment in the tests. We are planning a KS2 Communications Manager, better [when free schools opened provision – it’s all free provided by NAACE/TLM/CAS/ Education Endowment Mirandanet as a community service. This shows that Foundation (EEF) nearby], the intermediate local national support for these things is more about schools stayed the same, and the knowing how to do it than throwing a lot of money and Whilst Gifted Phoenix’s analysis of our Mathematics Mastery bureaucracy at it. evaluation (March 6th) showed a welcome willingness to best local schools got worse. This One reason why it works is that school’s data is for them engage with our findings, we would challenge the author on is the exactly what would happen to use, there is then no incentive to game the system so a number of points. perhaps it’s better to keep it separate from league tables. Mathematics Mastery was independently and rigorously with the statistical phenomenon evaluated by a team from the Institute of Education. The of ‘regression towards the mean’ Who is the right group to monitor team combined findings from the primary and secondary – it indicates a serious flaw in the schools? trials to provide an overall estimate of a programme’s effect. This is an accepted statistical approach and one data analysis and interpretation, Ian, Bristol that showed Mathematics Mastery had a statistically and suggests that there is no real significant positive effect on pupil outcomes overall. To Does government really want to find out what determine whether an effect size close to zero is statistically difference between the two types makes some school groups work? This might mean significant it is necessary to check whether or not the of schools. admitting that their pronouncements over the years had just lower bound of the confidence interval is greater than zero, been puff. They already “know” what works. Politicians can irrespective of rounding. never admit they were wrong. Regarding the timing of the release, the EEF traditionally Department for Education policy is not about improving publish its reports on a Friday for no other reason than it schools, it is about keeping the ministers in post and coincides with the print editions of education reply of the week appealing to their core voters. Very few politicians have publications like . science backgrounds. Statistically valid evidence plays no Our main audience is teachers so it’s important that we part in government education policy. It is too dangerous reach them through these outlets. The press release, which receives ‘the to your career as a politician to be truthful. Always blame covered nine evaluation reports, and Mathematics Mastery someone else and keep spinning. findings were shared with the education and mainstream Most teachers spend their working lives seeking truth. media in advance of their publication, and as with all EEF collector’s’ mug! They have no chance changing the minds of their political funded studies, are available in full from our website. masters who thrive on spin and deceit. We think that the Mathematics Mastery findings are positive. Fine tuning the school leadership team They suggest it may be a cost-effective approach for schools to consider adopting and testing for themselves Andy Winter, Leicester as well as underlining the importance of independently evaluating new and challenging ideas. Personally I think the title of the 9school business
Contact the team Correction To provide feedback and suggest stories please email In the Henry Stewart profile (Edition 21, March 6) the DO you have a story? [email protected] and tweet using CV omitted Mr Stewart’s role as chair of governors of @schoolsweek Stoke Newington Schools, 2005-2014.
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Please include the page number and story headline, and explain what the problem is. [email protected] 020 3051 4287 10 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 NEWS PUPIL PREMIUM: IS THE £2.5bn CASH INJECTION RAISING STANDARDS? John dickens The Department for Education (DfE) @johndickenssw changed its methodology last year for the calculation of key stage 4 performance measure data, to factor in the removal of Investigates vocational qualifications from the league tables and to only count a pupil’s first entry Schools Week is exploring the to an exam. Using previous calculations, way vulnerable groups of learners without adjusting for these factors, the 2013- have fared under the coalition. 14 gap would actually be 27.2 per cent. In the third of a five-part series, The DfE says there is a proposed new index to investigate how the gap can be measured John Dickens looks at who exactly across the whole attainment range in light of is benefiting as schools receive the assessment reforms. more than £6bn of pupil premium Sir John Dunford, the national pupil funding and questions if is premium champion, said the above figures are not a reliable year-on-year indicator really closing the attainment gap because of policy changes. He insists the gap between disadvantaged pupils and is closing. their wealthier peers The government’s view is that there has been “significant progress”, pointing to he coalition government ushered in 69.3 per cent of disadvantaged pupils now its flagship pupil premium policy in meeting the expected level in both reading April 2011 with a £625 million war- and maths at the end of primary school, Tchest to “provide a real incentive compared with 62.2 per cent in 2011. for good schools to take pupils from poorer Overall there doesn’t seem to be a backgrounds”. straightforward answer. But new research That commitment has increased annually seen by Schools Week paints a clearer picture. to a whopping £2.5 billion this year to help to Education Datalab has investigated the raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils trends in attainment from 2011 to 2014 by and to bridge the gap with their peers. using a prototype of the new Attainment Sir John Dunford: “There is still a long way to go” School leaders have welcomed the extra 8 and Progress 8 measures, which will be cash and it’s a policy supported by many introduced into performance tables next year. children – except those with high prior premium policy has sent out a vitally politicians in other parties. Dave Thomson, chief statistician, said: attainment. important message: disadvantaged children But has the huge investment closed the “The attainment gap is closing, albeit slowly, Sir John said: “There is still a long way to can achieve. Schools have responded to this attainment gap? if you look at an indicator go before the achievement gap is closed, but in a very positive way.” It depends that covers the full ability some schools have shown that it is possible But DfE figures, released in January, show who you ask. range, such as Attainment 8, — and this is acting as a spur to others to raise there are big variations across the country. The gap at rather than just the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.” While 46.5 per cent of FSM pupils in London GCSE between C/D borderline.” The annual Pupil Premium awards, run by achieved five or more A*-Cs including pupils who He said most of the the DfE, are full of success stories. Millfield English and maths last year, only 28.4 per qualify for free improvement is driven Science and Performing Arts College, in cent of pupils achieved the benchmark in school meals by disadvantaged pupils Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, won the Yorkshire and Humber. (FSMs) [and entering more of the secondary award in 2014. A report released by cross-party think tank receive the pupil qualifications that count Seventy-three per cent of disadvantaged Demos in January says London continues premium] and under Attainment 8. At pupils achieved at least five A*-Cs at GCSE, to “prop up” the national figures, with the all other pupils the current rate, including English and maths, compared with attainment gap widening from 27 per cent to looks to have disadvantaged pupils will not catch up 76 per cent of other pupils. The proportion 29.5 per cent if they are excluded. widened. The gap between FSM pupils with other pupils until 2035 (the year that of disadvantaged pupils making expected Ian Wybron, an education specialist at who achieved at least five A*-Cs, including David Beckham turns 60). progress between key stages 2 and 4 was Demos, told Schools Week: “It’s concerning English and maths, and all other pupils has Deeper examination also shows that based 96 per cent, compared with 92 per cent for that despite this injection of cash it is not yet risen in recent years from 26.4 per cent in on the average grade per entry, the GCSE their peers. getting the results. 2011-12, to 26.7 per cent in 2012-13 and to achievement gap widened or remained static Sir John added: “As well as providing “But it will take time to bed in and you will 27 per cent last year. from 2013 to 2014 for all pupil premium schools with additional funding, the pupil see the biggest results with pupils who have
FREE SCHOOL MEALS PUPILS WITH 5 OR MORE A*-C GRADES COMPARED TO OTHER PUPILS KEY 80 FSM pupils All other pupils 70
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PUPIL PREMIUM: IS THE £2.5bn CASH INJECTION RAISING STANDARDS? DATA SHOWING THE ATTAINMENT GAP CONVERTED INTO SIR JOHN’S FIVE PUPIL PREMIUM SUCCESSES PROGRESS 8 AND ATTAINMENT 8 FROM EDUCATION DATALAB’S “DISADVANTAGED PUPILS” REPORT 1 The attainment of disadvantaged pupils has risen 2 It has drawn attention to the size of the attainment gap in England and schools have responded in a very determined way, recognising that 100 per cent buy-in from their staff is a vital precursor to success
3 Many schools have done inspiring work and other schools have been prepared to look to them for ideas and methods
4 The most successful schools monitor pupil progress frequently and put interventions in place quickly when pupils need extra support
5 High quality teaching must be an essential component of every school’s pupil premium policy, with those pupils getting the best teachers
TOP 10 AUTHORITIES FOR FSM ACHIEVEMENT
LOCAL AUTHORITY NUMBER OF FSM PUPILS PERCENTAGE ACHIEVING 5+ GCSES A*-C Kensington and Chelsea 142 71.1 Westminster 513 70.8 had this funding year on year. It’s a matter of premium to turn around the life chances of Tower Hamlets 1342 65.6 time and schools sharing knowledge.” disadvantaged children. Islington 619 63.5 After its pupil premium success, Millfield “Because disadvantaged young people are Redbridge 637 61.9 won £10,000 to support five local schools often held back by a lack of aspiration from Hackney 622 61.6 looking at the impact of pupil premium. It their parents who have failed to engage with Southwark 624 59.9 also hosted a best practice training day. their educational progress, schools have used This sharing of best practice could be vital the pupil premium in some imaginative ways Haringey 663 59.9 to driving up attainment elsewhere. Marianne – such as literacy classes for parents – to Newham 1289 59.7 Pope, researcher at schools information increase parental engagement.” Lambeth 610 58.9 and advice service The Key, said: “Schools But the introduction of the universal need clarity on what will be considered an infant free school meal policy last year has acceptable use of the [pupil premium] grant had a knock-on for pupil premium. Fewer and what won’t. parents are reportedly applying for FSM with BOTTOM 10 AUTHORITIES FOR FSM ACHIEVEMENT “Many of the school leaders I’ve spoken some schools having to offer incentives to to have said they want more guidance on encourage sign-up so they don’t lose out on LOCAL AUTHORITY NUMBER OF FSM PUPILS PERCENTAGE ACHIEVING 5+ GCSES A*-C what the most effective ways of spending the pupil premium funds. Rutland 25 24 premium are so they can get it right.” So what does the future hold? Schools Barnsley 459 26.1 When the scheme started, Ofsted found minister David Laws announced an extra Bracknell Forest 81 27.2 that schools spent too much on teaching £22.5m funding for 2015-16, which will assistants and school trips without evidence include early years providers for the first time. Northumberland 419 27.7 of the impact on attainment. Beyond that, it is a decision for the new Knowsley 421 27.8 But Sir John says schools are now government. But Sir John remains positive. Suffolk 788 29.6 increasingly using the Education Endowment “The statistics are moving in the right Central Bedfordshire 199 29.6 Foundation’s toolkit and evidence to direction,” he says. “Schools around the Telford and Wrekin 311 29.6 influence how they use their cash. “As well as country have a much more rigorous approach Southend-on-Sea 243 30 improving the attainment of pupil premium to using pupil premium, which should lead to pupils, there are some heartwarming stories an acceleration in the improvement.” Sunderland 614 30 of the way in which schools have used pupil
TEACHING & LEARNING TOOLKIT TOPIC COST EVIDENCE IMPACT A DFE SPOKESPERSON SAID:
“The pupil premium has been a crucial intervention and, in the hands of outstanding teachers across the country, is already making a real difference to children’s lives. “Disadvantaged primary children achieved their best ever results this year, and the real attainment gap is narrowing at both primary level and secondary level. “At secondary level pupils have benefited from the pupil premium for a much smaller proportion of their schooling, but the gap narrowed again there too when Wolf reforms and other changes are taken into account. “Teachers and school leaders deserve credit and recognition for their tireless efforts to give every child the fair start in life they deserve.” 12 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 EXPERTS ALISON JANET TALBOT DOWNS Partner at law firm Blake Morgan Writer for Local Schools Network and co-author of School Myths: And the Evidence That Blows Them Apart
OUR MONTHLY LEGAL CORNER The myth busters
Land sharing: it’s going Education bursts with myths: such as document published on the same day as the teachers don’t need qualifications, local PISA 2009 results that no comparison should authorities control schools and academies be made between the UK’s PISA results in to be difficult to resist raise standards. But there are more, all of 2000 and 2009 because the earlier results them easy to disprove. And it’s vital that had been found to be flawed after their initial The DfE cannot compel academies to require the secretary of state to consult they are publication. But that prominent warning was share their land, but changes to funding with the academy where underutilisation is ignored – not least by the Department for agreements will make it difficult to resist identified and it is during this process that any things widely supposed in Education (DfE), which published the faulty the secretary of state will determine whether education to be true, simply aren’t. figures. The DfE can’t say it didn’t know mid concerns about the shortage the land could be sublet or transferred. M It’s widely supposed that about the warning; it referred to it in its press of pupil places at primary schools Once an academy and the secretary of state choice, competition and markets are the release. Ain England, the Department for have agreed that part of the land should be route to educational success. Increase Education (DfE) has introduced new transferred, the original academy must use competition between schools and all schools provisions into the model funding its best endeavours to obtain the approval of will improve, that’s the theory. But it’s not agreements of academy schools. These are the landlord to enable it to share occupation accurate. The message from the successful Censure designed to enable the department to take of the land with the incoming trust. In reality, London Challenge is that it’s collaboration land from academies where that land is it is going to be difficult for an academy not competition that raises educational doesn’t stop zombie underutilised and for it to be used by other to resist a land sharing agreement once quality. The OECD confirms this. Choice and academies or as a site for new academies. underutilisation has been identified. competition as an improvement mechanism statistics rising Under these new rules, the DfE cannot There are seven possible versions of these is a myth. compel academies to share their land. new land provisions in the supplemental Another prevalent myth, especially in from the dead However, the secretary of state is obliged funding agreement. These vary slightly England, is that our state schools need an to consult with academies that have depending on whether the land is already injection of private school DNA. Again, not underutilised land in areas where parental owned/used by the academy, or if it is a new true. The OECD found that when economic As well as ignoring this warning, which demand or basic need for additional school site (either freehold or leasehold) provided background is taken into consideration, UK appeared in the second paragraph of the places cannot be met to determine whether by the EFA. There are no sharing provisions state schools outperform UK private ones. UK briefing paper, the DfE ignored other part of the land could be provided to another if the academy’s existing site is held under And there’s an increasing body of evidence international tests that showed England in a academy trust. The land would either be a church supplemental agreement or lease that shows state-educated students gained more positive light: the Trends in Maths and given or sublet to the other trust, so that it from private site trustees. higher degrees than their equally qualified Science Survey (TIMSS), for example, showed could establish and maintain an educational peers from private schools. England at the top of the European league institution on the existing academy’s site. The Sutton Trust found students from in 2007 for science and maths in both age The provisions will only apply where The terms comprehensive schools outperformed groups: 10 and 14 year-olds. the secretary of state identifies basic or their equally qualified peers from both The plummeting down league table myth parental need for additional places in the of the new independent schools and state grammars. persisted for two years until the UK Statistics area in which the academy is situated. There’s another myth demolished – the one Authority censured the DfE for its misleading The new funding agreement sets out the funding agreement that claims comprehensive education has use of international test data. But this hasn’t circumstances in which the provisions failed. stopped the zombie statistic from rising will operate. A basic need will arise when provisions are These myths, and four more, are exploded from the dead. Just ten days ago, education the forecast demand for pupil places in the in the book I co-authored with Melissa Benn, secretary Nicky Morgan told The Daily area is greater than the existing capacity non-negotiable co-founder of the Local Schools Network. Telegraph that the education system when to provide them. A parental need will It’s called School Myths: And the Evidence the coalition came to power was “chaotic, arise when the DfE is actually aware of an That Blows Them Apart. Between us we’ve with Britain plummeting down international additional demand for pupil places in the New academies will have no choice disproved each of the seven myths and league tables and a third of all children area, following representations from parents but to accept the new funding agreement we’ve supplied evidence to back up what leaving primary school unable to read, write in that area. provisions as the terms are non-negotiable. we say. Myths such as teachers don’t need or add up properly”. The new funding agreement does not go At the moment, existing academies qualifications, local authorities control Morgan’s statement about league tables is into any detail as to what criteria would be cannot be forced to change their funding schools and academies raise standards. untrue. But she swerved around criticisms used to assess whether land is “underutilised”, agreements. However, each time an academy But there were other myths we couldn’t made by the UK statistics watchdog, not once it simply describes a position where “not all changes its articles, applies for a capital grant include. I’ll deal with one of them here. but twice, that she was misleading the public the land is needed for the operation of the or takes on another school, then it is required Remember how the United Kingdom was when she had claimed a third of children academy at planned capacity”. Until these to update its funding agreement to the latest “plummeting” down league tables. It was were illiterate and innumerate when they provisions are actually used by the secretary model – and the new land sharing provisions splashed all over the media on in December left primary school. She did this by adding of state, it is difficult to advise schools on will then apply. This means that over time 2010. The Daily Mail was typical: the adjective “properly”. But “properly” is whether they have land that would fall into many academy’s funding agreements will “Travesty of our ‘stagnating’ schools”; imprecise and subjective. For some people, this definition. In reality, however, if an area be updated to include the new provisions. “Britain has plummeted down worldwide being unable to read “properly” would mean has a high need for additional school places, Academies can resist the change, but only education rankings…”; “…massive indictment not being able to decode; for others it would then it is going to be harder for an academy for so long as they don’t need to make other of the last government’s education policy…” be an inability to read Schools Week. to argue that it needs all its land for its material changes to the academy. These claims were backed up by a graph Education myths need destroying. operational needs. in red, green and blue that showed UK Publishing the evidence that punctures The language used in the funding Alison specialises in restructuring and performance in PISA tests had tumbled since them is essential. Then we will have the agreement is interesting. There is no academy conversions 2000. ammunition to pillory politicians who mechanism for compelling an academy to www.blakemorgan.co.uk/our-people/ But it wasn’t true. The OECD, which run make misleading statements and deceive give up its land. However, the new provisions alison-talbot/ the PISA tests, had warned in the UK briefing the electorate. SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 13 EXPERT
look elsewhere for their ideas. Schools also should be a requirement on the school should look elsewhere for inspiration. to improve by the following year or face STEVE The judgments Ofsted makes are also intervention. Intervention may be needed contestable. Are we clear from the research immediately in extreme cases. Each year evidence about what great teaching looks schools should publish their latest audits, MUNBY like? What outstanding leadership looks including the grading of adequate or Chief executive CfBT Education Trust like? What counts as exceptional behaviour inadequate. management? So far it seems that this cannot be captured in a reliable way. Ofsted is also too open to political We should interference. Both the Labour and the coalition governments have changed the Ofsted framework to take into account stop looking to the latest priority from government. Time Ofsted should only and money has then to be spent retraining Ofsted for accolades inspectors. Rather than being a school improver, or ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ schools a way for successive governments to force This would put an end to an opaque through policy, Ofsted should be a regulator. Ofsted system and would empower the Ofsted has become too pervasive. It is time However, it is now time for fundamental Its role should be ensuring that government profession to take the lead on researching now for it to become a regulator, rather than reform. In an age when we have far more and parents have confidence their children what great teaching and great leadership a school improver detailed and accurate information about pupil are learning. looks like. Schools would increasingly performance than ever before, and at a time It needs to be about pupils’ progress over challenge and support each other through fsted has recognised the need for of increasing strain on education funding, time and to be based on evidence of progress peer review instead of relying on Ofsted. reform. It has said that good schools we must give serious consideration to an in books, as well as evidence of progress and They could try out different approaches to Owill face frequent but shorter visits important but different future role for Ofsted. added value in external exams. The report teaching and would not be judged on in the future, and it will give more weight to The inspectorate has become too pervasive on progress in learning, which should take those approaches, only on whether the subjects such as music. But in my view, while an influence. Its framework has become the Ofsted no more than a day in a school to children are safe and are learning Ofsted calls these reforms “radical”, they do means through which every aspect of school complete and to verify the school’s self- effectively. not go far enough. We need to go back to first life has to be considered – “what would assessment, should be robust, rigorous, and Now that England’s education system principles and ask what is Ofsted for and what Ofsted say?” is too often the key question transparent. has (according to Ofsted’s own figures) should its role now be? when making a strategic decision. Why has There should be two grades only: adequate improved significantly and now that we have CfBT Education Trust has been carrying a regulator become so influential? Would or inadequate. Some may argue against a rich source of data on children’s progress, out inspections on behalf of Ofsted for the famous writers for television, such as Sally the best judgment being “adequate” but we it is time for a fundamental rethink. Let past 10 years. We have seen first-hand the Wainwright or Steve Moffat, look to Ofcom should stop looking to Ofsted for accolades Ofsted monitor outcomes in a robust and significantly positive impact that Ofsted to make their programme outstanding? Of – there are all kinds of ways to recognise transparent way and let the profession take has had in raising standards in schools and course not – they would take into account the excellent schools without relying on Ofsted. control of teaching and leadership through a we are pleased to have been a part of that. basic requirements of the regulator but would If the judgment is “inadequate” there school-led system. IT’S GOING THE FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION IS THE TO BE HAY-ON-WYE OF EDUCATION INCREDIBLE. David Willetts, Minister for BE PART Universities and Science OF IT. June 18-19, 2015 BOOK NOW: www.festivalofeducation.com t: 01483 423008 For groups of 20 or more please call to book. I HAVE RARELY, IF EVER, FELT SO EMPOWERED TO IMPROVE MY OWN TEACHING AND TO HELP OTHERS IMPROVE THEIRS. I HAVE JUST SPENT TWO THE BEST BRITISH DAYS AT THE SUNDAY EDUCATIONAL EVENT TIMES FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION, AND IT WAS SIMPLY AMAZING Media Partner www.facebook.com/EducationFest @EducationFest BH, Assistant Head Loreto College, St Albans 14 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 PROFILE
OREMI EVANS
ANN MCGAURAN Her father was a key siblings and other family. Her @ANNMCGAURAN influence – “a very inspiring mother was Catholic, and she person” — in Dame Oremi’s “I like structure was brought up as one. Her Dame Oremi Evans, head of The Brookfield School, Hereford life. A self-taught man, his father was Church of England, first business venture was and her paternal grandparents he only person at Brookfield who doesn’t seem hawking pens on Lagos and a routine. all Muslims. to believe that the special school’s head is now a streets. During the 1960s The values her family lived dame is the recipient herself. Staff are still buzzing many European companies by have never left her. It’s Tabout the New Year’s Honours award, but Dame needed a Nigerian backer, so clear how they have shaped Oremi Evans seems dumbfounded. her father became chairman That’s just the her teaching and leadership, “I had the letter on a Saturday morning and froze. I didn’t and director of a number including her long headship even see the damehood. I thought it was an OBE, an MBE of European companies, at The Brookfield School, or a CBE. I was just ecstatic. After about the tenth read I including Mobil Oil. a special school for 7 to realised what I had. She says her father was way I am” 16-year-olds and the first “I ran up to my husband Clifford and told him that I was “really a decent person” who, special school to receive three going to show him something now, but not to get excited when he died, left none of his children any money “because consecutive Ofsted “outstanding” inspections. All the pupils because I’m sure I’m going to get a letter next week saying he started off with nothing”. have a statement of special educational need (SEN) and it’s all been a mistake. I was adamant it wasn’t me they were “I respected him for that. His way of showing us his love their primary needs are identified as behavioural, social and writing to. I don’t think it’s really sunk in. It’s the top award. was by giving us things and all the travel and whatever, but emotional difficulties (BSED). You don’t usually get it unless you get another first.” when he passed away he wanted us all to stand on our own “More than anything our culture is about this sense of It may all have been “just an unbelievable shock”, but her feet. I am now a trustee of his charity in England.” total respect within the family for hierarchy. When I go family certainly has form when it comes to reaching the Her father was Nigerian; her mother was of Scottish and home now it’s still around me. In our language, to emphasise highest levels. Dame Oremi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, Nigerian descent. Her mother’s first marriage was to a Swiss, respect, if we talk to someone younger than us we put a where she spent her childhood and most of her teenage killed in a car accident in Lagos leaving her with three small connotation in and if we talk to someone older we use a years. She grew up in great privilege: Sir Omobolaji Bank- children. She then met Dame Oremi’s father. “She was his different connotation because it’s a sign of respect.” Anthony, her billionaire father, was friends with Margaret second wife and we didn’t live with him. My stepmother A child referred to Brookfield is at “rock bottom — with no Thatcher, Edward Heath and Indian leader Mahatma couldn’t have any children. She was the Lady Bank-Anthony, self-esteem and no self-worth”, she says. “We make sure they Ghandi. Sir Omobolaji was knighted in 1960 for his whereas my mum was not.” feel and the atmosphere is one of a big family.” philanthropic work. She has one sister and an extensive network of half- She makes it clear that everyone in the school will respect SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 15
IT’S A PERSONAL THING
If you could choose to spend a day anywhere in the world, where would that be? Home in Lagos, Nigeria…always
What was your favourite meal as a child – and who cooked it? My mother’s peanut stew with rice. Delicious!
What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given you?
My father’s advice was to work hard, aim Clockwise from top: Dame Oremi aged at 25 at Whitecross High School, Hereford; aged 18 with high and show respect. You will always two of her sisters in Lagos, Nigeria; aged 4 on her receive it back. christening day in Lagos
Who were or are your role models? My father and mother. I just hope they are looking down at me and feeling proud.
What book or piece of music would you take to a desert island, and why? I love R&B. Any rhythmic beat with powerful romantic lyrics.
the child, “and in return we expect the same from them. If behavioural issues was her niche. After another degree in Curriculum Vitae you can start on that footing from the minute they walk into special needs at Worcester University, she went back to her your family community, then you really do have a good stage old school to become head of special needs. to build on.” A deputy headship came up at the John Venn Unit in Born She boarded at Queens College in Lagos. “My dad wanted Hereford, then two years later she got the headship. The me to have the discipline.” The regime sounds Dickensian, unit closed when Herefordshire became a unitary authority Lagos, Nigeria, 1956 with “vile food” and corporal punishment. Dame Oremi and Brookfield was built in 2002. In 2008 the school doesn’t see it that way. “We all had duties and the younger became a specialist college, providing support in behaviour Schools you were the more yukky the duties you had, including management. Boarder at Queen’s College, Lagos cleaning the toilets and cleaning the showers. My parents In 2012 she became a national leader of education and used to visit every weekend and even though I lived less than the school became a national support school. A year earlier Hereford Sixth Form College two miles away, I only went home in the holidays.” She says she’d become executive head for behaviour in Herefordshire, it didn’t bother her. “I like structure and a regular routine, overseeing the county’s pupil referral centres – with one University that’s just the way I am.” service on two sites — and the local authority’s behaviour Avery Hill College, London, degree in natural At secondary school, she was “very studious but not support team. exceptionally bright” and had to work hard. “I like the A high proportion of her students are looked-after science sciences. Funnily enough both my children (Zoe and Rhea) children. How can this most vulnerable group be best have degrees in creative subjects.” helped? “There must be accountability for these kids. There University of Worcester, degree in special needs Dame Oremi came to live with an aunt in Hereford for her tend to be four or five agencies involved. It’s all right sitting and MSc in financial management sixth-form years. She says it wasn’t her decision to then take round a table but who has that overall accountability and her degree in London – “My dad decided I was to go and who can scrutinise what each agency is doing for that Career study in England.” individual?” She stayed when she finished her degree at Avery But despite these challenges, the joy makes it all Whitecross High School 1979-1994 Hill College, and took her first job teaching sciences at worthwhile for the impressive Dame Oremi. “The highlights John Venn Unit 1994-2002 Whitecross High School, back in Hereford. She married are watching a child when they first come in and seeing Clifford – whom she’d met during her sixth form years — the how quickly they settle within our family. It’s about when I The Brookfield School 2002-present same year she left college. say to them ‘gosh you’re smiling, you’re laughing’ and they A few years on, “there was a lightbulb moment” and she always turn to me and say exactly the same thing — ‘I feel realised working with less able students and those with safe here Miss’.” 16 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 REVIEWS TOP BLOGS OF THE WEEK
To view individual blogs visit www.schoolsweek.co.uk/reviews BOOK REVIEW
a 1,000-word tirade from a parent while at Educate 1-to-1: the secrets truly portable haven’t been around that long a beer festival also convinced him to stop to successfully planning, (the IPad was only launched in 2010). work emails reaching his phone. One setback The book is honest and unapologetic: aside, Andy has “noticed that riding my implementing and sustaining innovations have to start somewhere and the bike to school makes me happier and more change through mobile learning authors are helpful in exploring both what energetic.” I am confident that anyone could in schools a school pilot programme should look like benefit from adopting his reflective approach and how to structure your evaluation process to work and life. Authors: Dominic Norrish, Mark Baker, to get results that focus on your aims and Daniel Edwards Jose Picardo and outcomes. They are not keen on the exam Who is doing the work? Adam Webster success proxy measure as so many other By Esse Quam Videri Publisher: CreateSpace variables may be at work. ISBN-10: 1502380447 The title Educate 1-to-1 conjured up This blogger challenges her readers to ISBN-13: 978-1502380449 teacher/student support and didn’t consider who is putting the effort into schools Reviewer: Jeni Hooper, child and immediately speak to me about mobile (and who should be). Taking a dim view educational psychologist technology, and indeed the book has little of growth mindset exhortations, “getting to say about personalised learning. I got the compliance from teachers in preferred impression that many of the early adopter Our blog reviewer of the teaching styles” and “tackling ‘passive schools are in the independent/selective week is Harry Fletcher-Wood, learning’,” she identifies a significant issue ducate 1-to-1 explores the practicalities sector and their students may be a somewhat associate director of knowledge facing a school she visited recently, a lack of using mobile technology for every skewed sample. The combination of high- development for TeachFirst of accountability for students. She describes Estudent in a school. performing students and parents eager to a series of approaches her school takes to Evidently, 57 per cent of primary schools add whatever tools that will propel their ensure students maintain their effort and and 75 per cent of children forward may concludes with concern that holding students secondaries plan not be a prototype for “to account for their effort can have a much on implementing a schools with a more bigger impact [than adding to pressure on one-device-per-child pressing need to raise When silence isn’t golden teachers] but is unfashionable. How can strategy in the next attainment. Whether By Debra Kidd students learn the cost of laziness if in school few years, according all students from all it has none?” to the British backgrounds will gain Too often, when a school is in the news, Educational Suppliers significantly is an it’s almost impossible to know what is Requires Improvement Association. If you important question really going on unless we have a personal By Lisa Pettifer work in a school that that would need to be connection. In this fascinating post Debra is considering going addressed in parallel. Kidd describes her visit to Park View, which “Throughout the year, often as a result of down this road this The evidence base came to public awareness when investigated a performance management observation, book is for you. The for how children as part of the Trojan Horse allegations. Debra teachers are told that they are struggling, need five authors all work learn effectively describes the school in high terms remarking to do things differently, need to improve…. If in the field and the is equally small; that the staff body are “reeling but determined they had known HOW to do things differently, book is a thorough it is a territory to be there for the children” and saying that wouldn’t they be doing it?” Lisa Pettifer tackles examination of all the strategic issues overpopulated with myth and magic. Some she “bloody loved that school. And those this question with ten possible strategies – all as well as the technical practicalities relevant strands are emerging – for example, kids.” She wrestles with how, in a school simple, fairly cheap, and achievable – ranging involved. students may not read as fluently from a under the spotlight, teachers can answer from watching a demonstration lesson to in- Mobile technology is not only a complex screen, which has implications for younger politically charged questions that prey on the lesson coaching. technical subject but also a high-cost and struggling readers. minds of students. “I ask us all to think about strategy for any school. The authors are clear An even bigger question is how the the impact that our own neurosis has on our Brain pickings that you need to know exactly what you relationship between student and teacher language and actions; how our myopia about By Maria Popova are aiming to achieve, as well as knowing is affected by a mobile interface. A skilled the messages that our media send to children what you need to do to get there. This isn’t teacher sets a pace that enables each affects them and how we speak to, think Not only is educational debate occasionally something that can be done cheaply. The student to tune in, process and make sense through and answer those difficult questions ill-natured, suggestions that would improve book suggests the cost to a 1,000 pupil of material before he or she commits to that all our children ask.” the standard of debate are in sadly limited school over two to three years is a memory. supply. This rare exception builds on the staggering £500,000 They take you through While mature learners can reflect on Becoming a happier teacher ideas of Daniel Dennett to advance a strategy all the practicalities and warn you of the heir own progress and adapt their actions, By Andy Tharby for disagreement. Dennett advocates the pitfalls and the small print that can add many young people have not yet developed following four steps: hugely to the bill. the full range of metacognitive skills Andy Tharby’s writing about teaching is 1. You should attempt to re-express your This is a helpful book for teachers and required and remain dependent on the consistently thoughtful, original and honest. target’s position so clearly, vividly, and governors that appears reasonably objective teacher to mediate learning. We need to be In this post, he begins by reviewing what fairly that your target says, “Thanks, I wish . . . the authors avoid the evangelical hard confident that personalised learning and he has learned from reading Happiness by I’d thought of putting it that way. sell. They clearly want people to get it right differentiation can be fine-tuned via mobile Design. He then offers a number of insights 2. You should list any points of agreement and not be swept along. It is highly readable technology and that the high time demand as to sources of happiness (and strain) in his (especially if they are not matters of general and written in a clear accessible style that to create materials digitally can be factored life - and practical responses. For example, he or widespread agreement). explains the technical side well enough for a in, or students who are less independent noticed “that lunch duties make me tired and 3. You should mention anything you have non-specialist like me. in their learning strategies will be at a stressed in the afternoon” and so not worth learned from your target. All innovations need time to be tested, to disadvantage. Mobile technology is here the extra £100 when he can instead spend 4. Only then are you permitted to say so bed down and then be fully evaluated. Mobile to stay but there are many questions still to the time relaxing with colleagues and then much as a word of rebuttal or criticism. technology is just beginning, so the evidence be answered. teach a better afternoon lesson. Receiving I’ll be trying to do this myself! base here is small. Devices light enough to be www.jenihooper.com SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 17 REVIEWS RESEARCH REVIEW Reviewer: Jack Marwood, education writer
success of London’s schools”. These reports followed highest performing areas of England in 2001. Research: School Improvement in investigative work by Chris Cook at the Financial Times, The only dataset used by CfBT is the “proportion of London: A global perspective who also looked at what has become known as the pupils achieving five or more good GCSEs”. While this “London effect”. shows London in a good light, it does not take into Publisher: CfBt Before these reports, there was a great deal of account the findings of the IFS and CMPO reports that speculation about what may have improved GCSE results showed the improvement of London GCSE results can be in London, much of which was based on intuition and attributed entirely to higher prior attainment at primary Amidst all the doom and gloom and manufactured assumption. The research now published has gone some school and the ethnic composition of those who take crisis narratives in education, there are some small way to answer questions. Some are rigorous, academic GCSEs in the capital. but remarkable good news stories. One is the steady studies. But some are not. The CfBT is firmly in the The CfBT report is awash with “halo effects”, whereby improvement in GCSE passes in England. Admittedly, second of these categories. interested parties interpret improved GCSE results much of this is likely to be as a result of “School Improvement in London: in London as being a direct consequence of various schools finding ways to ensure that their A Global Perspective” follows a government and third-sector initiatives, rather than due results look as good as they possibly can, longer report written by CfBT to the efforts of children and families who live and study rather than any underlying improvement, last year. It repeats some startling in one of the world’s biggest, toughest, most ethnically as observers such as Professor Robert Coe claims and uses some highly diverse and ambitious cities. have eloquently explained. selective data. It also uses hearsay There seems to be little doubt that London schools But grades have improved, from an from interested parties. As a result, have improved in the past 15 years. But there is virtually average of 50 per cent of students being it is almost a case study in policy- no evidence to support the conclusions of this report awarded five or more good GCSEs in 2001 based evidence. that it is because of academies or competition or to just over 60 per cent reaching the same It finds that what has happened in collaboration, and a great deal to suggest that valid standard in 2013. In inner London, the London is “relevant to policymakers explanations for the London effect can be found story is much more impressive: from and educationists worldwide” and elsewhere, such as the IFS’s claim that it appears to be under 40 per cent in 2001 to about 63 per that “the improvement is not a due to improvements in primary schools and, in the cent in 2013. consequence of the advantages that conclusion arrived at by Professor Simon Burgess, writer In June 2014, the Institute of Fiscal London has over the rest of England”; of the CMPO report, that “ethnic minority pupils have Studies (IFS) published “Lessons from neither of which is supported by the greater ambition, aspiration, and work harder in school. London schools for attainment gaps evidence that is currently available. It This is the main argument here – London has more of and social mobility“, and in October, claims that “the transformation since these pupils and so has a higher average GCSE score the University of Bristol’s Centre for Market and Public 2000 in London schools has been remarkable” than the rest of the country.” Organisation (CMPO) published “Understanding the whilst ignoring the fact that outer London was one of the A week in Westminster Your regular guide to what’s going on in central government
“Having a simple app that I can access on my phone would be really helpful to me thursday: and many other busy parents.” monday: wednesday: Another Thursday and another slew of While her involvement is sure to give Today, the DfE released the names of the After taking away Initial Teacher Department for Education (DfE) notices. the competition a boost, we guess, and members who will sit on the commission Training from universities and handing In the first of the day, education she seems to be a popular and not-too on assessment without levels. it to schools, the Government today secretary Nicky Morgan wrote to the overfacing celebrity, at Schools Week Announced as a “teacher-led panel”, announced to pay students £15k to do teaching trade unions and pleaded with we wonder how her complaints about a there were cries from the teaching world their ITT … at universities. them to stop taking industrial action. working/family life will chime with other that the commission was not exactly The plans will entice “top graduates” into She said: “I… hope that those unions in parents, who don’t have “celebrity status” “teacher-led” considering it did not have becoming maths and physics teachers, dispute with me will consider resolving and access to such different childcare a single classroom teacher on the panel. so says Cameron and Morgan. Students their disputes as soon as possible.” (one assumes she is not sending her kids Questioned about this, a DfE can apply for a share of the £67m pot Not someone usually featuring in the to a local-authority run children’s centre spokesperson told us: “This is a teacher- from next month. Trebles all round at the news pages of Schools Week, but she has in a deprived area of the country). led commission and it is misleading to student uni bars! wheedled her way in this week - former say otherwise. Half the commission’s Sam Gyimah had the pleasure of his Liberty X member and Celebrity Mum of members – including the chairman - first education select committee today. the Year Michelle Heaton is pictured with friday: are current headteachers who will draw And it didn’t take long for him to get a a rather smug-looking childcare minister, School reform minister Nick Gibb on their considerable experience of bit flustered, asking the committee to Sam Gyimah, at the launch of a DfE paid a visit to King’s College London teaching.” stop interjecting. Chair Graham Stuart competition to develop apps for parents. Mathematics School in Lambeth today A slightly clearer description of the reassuringly told Gyimah they were being The DfE wants someone to produce the to celebrate International Women’s Day group could have been given at the as gentle as possible. After a bit more too- apps to allow parents to find childcare, [which took place two days later on outset to minimise confusion – perhaps ing and fro-ing it all ended on a happy more easily, in their area. Sunday]. “profession-led”? note with Gyimah saying he would love Michelle Heaton said: “I’m a busy mum The visit was used to highlight the good to satisfy Pat Glass. of two, juggling a career and have a work the specialist college had done husband that works full time. We don’t in getting a 43 per cent female intake. tuesday: have family close by to help so childcare I Hopefully the school will have 50/50 Nothing useful happened. CHECK OUT @SCHOOLSWEEK FOR LIVE can rely on is vital. intake at least next year. TWEETS OF WESTMINSTER EVENTS 18 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 Eight months in and how have the RSCs fared?
Regional Schools Commissioners now been published on the Department for the government was reviewing its approach Ann McGauran are part of the government’s Education (DfE) website, albeit tucked away. as the role became more established, and @annmcgauran Details include a list of main agenda would consider the “most appropriate way middle tier of accountability themes, a summary of decisions taken and a to do this without compromising the boards’ for academies. Brought in last Investigates full register of interests for all members. ability to provide free and frank challenge, September, they were told to The eight RSCs oversee all academies in as well as personal and commercially A Freedom of Information request to release England, intervening in under-performing sensitive information”. tackle underperformance and full details of the meetings of England’s schools and brokering sponsors to take over The government did not intend to to boost the number of eight Regional Schools Commissioners and failing ones. From June, they will also decide retrospectively revise and publish a note of academy sponsors. So their headteacher boards (HTBs), along with which free schools will open in their area. past HTB meetings, he added. RSC a register of their interests, has resulted in In December, Green MP Caroline Lucas Ms Lucas said it “rang alarm bells” that what have they’ve done partial success. tabled a parliamentary question asking for the commitment to publish information so far? A record of their meetings between transparency on these matters. was “being shaped by considerations of September and December last year has Children’s Minister Edward Timpson said ‘commercially sensitive information’”. Martin Post Sir David Carter Former headmaster of Watford Former chief executive of multi-academy trust the Cabot Learning Grammar School for Boys Foundation SOUTH CENTRAL ENGLAND AND NORTH-WEST LONDON SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND
SUMMARY SUMMARY Approved Declined Approved Declined Academy order: 4 Academy conversion: 1 Academy order: 17 Significant change: 1 Academy conversion: 7 Funding agreement: 29 Sponsor capacity fund: 2 Funding agreement: 5 New provision: 4 New provision academy: 1 Significant change: 3 Pre-warning notice: 1 Removal of pre-warning notice: 1 Sponsor application: 2 Significant change: 3 Sponsorship capacity fund: 11 Sponsor application: 2
Interests registered by Mr Post Watford Boys SIP 2011-2014; Westcliffe High School Interests registered by Sir David Cabot Conflict declaredKings Oak Academy Grammar School for Boys 1995 to date; for Girls SIP 2011-2014; Hemel Hempstead Learning Foundation CEO April 2009- Aug significant change to expand age range – Verulam School member of academy trust School NLT support 2011-2012; Ashlyns 2014 Sir David left the room and the decision was 2007 to date; Teacher Development Trust School NLT support 2013-2014 made by fellow RSC Dominic Herrington trustee 2011 to date; Southend High School for Girls and Southend High School for No conflicts declared
Dominic Herrington Jenny Former director of the academies group, DfE Bexon-Smith SOUTH-EAST OF ENGLAND AND SOUTH LONDON Former executive principal and chief executive of the Tudor Grange Academies Trust EAST MIDLANDS AND HUMBER
SUMMARY SUMMARY Approved Declined Approved Declined Funding agreement: 30 Significant change: 1 Academy order: 18 None Significant change: 10 Academy order: 2 Funding agreement: 69 Academy order: 15 Warning notice: 1 Sponsor application: 4 Sponsor capacity funding: 1 New provision: 1 Sponsor capacity funding: 11 Significant change: 2 Pre-warning notice: 12 Sponsor application: 3 Warning notice: 4 Sponsor capacity funding: 9 Pre-termination notice: 1 Derogation submission: 1 Pre-warning/Pre-termination notice: 8 November opening: 4
Interests registered by Mr Herrington Interests registered by Ms Bexon-Smith Agency advisory board member September Goodrich Community Primary School vice- Tudor Grange Academies Trust executive 2012 to date; Teaching Schools Council chair of governors 2010 to date principal and CEO 2009-Aug 2014; elected member 2010 to 2014 Birmingham Diocese Trust board member No conflicts declared No conflicts declared Sept 2012-August 2014; Education Funding SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 19 Eight months in and how have the RSCs fared?
So what does the information reveal about Jennifer Bexon-Smith, who oversees the new sponsor applications were approved years which may or may not be seen as the new RSCs and boards? East Midlands and the Humber and who is across England between September and influencing the commissioners’ or board As exclusively revealed by Schools one of the two highest-paid RSCs, receiving December. Lancashire and West Yorkshire members’ role. Interests vary, with some Week last year, RSCs will be judged on the between £140,000 and £145,000, approved 18 topped the bill with six approvals. HTB members declaring siblings and fellow percentage of academies and free schools academy orders. Her colleague in the highest Tackling educational underperformance church members who run schools. open in their region, and the percentage of salary band, Sir David Carter, the RSC for and inadequate governance in academies So far only one conflict of interest has schools issued with an academy order. South West England, approved 17. is also one of the RSCs’ key performance affected an RSC decision. Sir David Carter On those criteria, West Midlands RSC Pank The RSC for South East London and South indicators. Twenty-seven pre-warning, was chief executive of Cabot Learning Patel came top during the first few months, London Dominic Herrington, whose office pre-termination or termination notices were Foundation between 2009 and Aug 2014. with 35 academy orders approved by his has the highest staff pay bill at £260,000, issued – 17 of those in South East England When one of the foundation’s academies, HTB. By contrast, South Central England and gave the go-ahead to 15 academy orders. and South London. Kings Oak, applied to expand its age range, North West London’s Martin Post approved The FOI response also showed RSCs would The accompanying register of interests he left the room during discussion. The only four academy orders and seven be responsible for “encouraging strong contains declarations of any personal decision was instead made by Dominic academy conversions. sponsors into the market”. Overall, just 22 or business interest within the past five Herrington.
Tim Coulson Janet Renou Former director of education, Essex County Council Former head of Skipton Girls’ High School, north Yorkshire
EAST OF ENGLAND AND NORTH-EAST LONDON NORTH OF ENGLAND
SUMMARY SUMMARY Approved Declined Approved Declined Academy order: 19 Academy order: 1 Academy order: 7 Academy order: 1 Funding agreement: 33 Funding agreement: 1 Funding agreement: 6 Significant change: 1 New provision: 4 Significant change: Sponsor capacity funding: 3 Significant change: 1 Sponsor application: 1 Sponsor application: 3 Sponsor capacity funding: 8 Interests registered by Ms Renou 2011-Sept 2014; Northern Star Educational Skipton Girls’ High School head 2002-2012, Trust Executive Head 2012-2014; Northern executive head 2012-2014; North Yorkshire Lights Teaching Schools Alliance executive No interests registered from Dr Coulson Business Education Partnership director head 2012-2014; CFBT additional inspector 2009-Feb 2013; NLE National College executive head 2012-2014 No conflicts declared executive head 2009-2014; Engineering UK member of education and skills panel Jan No conflicts declared
Pank Patel Paul Smith Former head of Wood Green Academy, Wednesbury Former executive principal at Parbold Douglas Church of England Academy in Wigan, Greater Manchester WEST MIDLANDS LANCASHIRE AND WEST YORKSHIRE
SUMMARY SUMMARY Approved Declined Approved Declined Academy order: 35 Academy order: 2 Academy order: 19 Sponsor application: 2 Funding agreement: 17 Significant change: 1 Funding agreement New provision: 1 Significant change: 1 Pre-warning notice: 1 Sponsor application: 6 Significant change: 2 Sponsor application: 1
Interests registered by Mr Smith Parbold schools. The sponsor application is being Douglas Academy head 2007-2014; Better assessed by the RSC for the West Midlands). Education Schools Trust (Brother is setting Interests registered by Mr Patel Wood NLE/NSS support January 2012-Aug 2014 up a trust with a view to sponsoring Green Academy head Sept 2006-Aug 2014; Lakeside and Telford NLE/NSS support April No conflicts declared 2010-Sept 2012; Phoenix School Sandwell 20 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 School Bulletin Algorithms? They’re simple, really Top scorer at trust’s Rugby Cup TeachFirst wants to boost careers education
Nick Boles and Jacqui Ferguson, senior vice president at HP Enterprise Services with TechFuture Girls at St Vincent de Paul primary Middle leaders can become careers leaders in emale tech workers of the without even knowing it. TeachFirst pilot to improve careers education future were given a special Launched in 2005, TechFuture iddle leaders in schools can take Austin Healey with David Ross Education Trust rugby players Fboost recently with a visit Girls aims to challenge the Mpart in an unusual pilot TeachFirst from Skills Minister Nick Boles. gender imbalance in the ormer England rugby at Havelock Academy, Grimsby, is launching later this year to improve careers education. The minister joined St Vincent industry by demonstrating the international Austin Healey as “player of the day”. Starting from July, the government de Paul RC Primary School pupils possibilities of careers in tech joined students from the The under-13s player said: “I F funded teacher training scheme in central London, one of Tech to girls at the age they typically David Ross Education Trust was shocked and surprised, but I TeachFirst will select 15 of its alumni Partnership’s TechFuture Girls “switch off” the subject. (DRET) for their annual Rugby was also buzzing.” to become “careers leaders” in schools clubs. Deputy Head of St Vincent Cup. Malcolm Arnold Academy in – offering training in leading teams, The girls were working on a de Paul, Anne Fothergill, said: Held at the Sleaford Rugby Northampton took home the knowledge of the national and local labour coding activity, led by volunteers “TechFuture Girls makes a real Club in Lincolnshire, the top double after winning in both the markets and specialist pedagogy. from the John Lewis Partnership. difference to the girls that are teams from the trust’s secondary under-13s and under-15s. The new careers leaders will be taught They had to use algorithms to part of it. Getting to work closely academies battled it out for the Shane Ward, sports enrichment how to develop pupils’ work readiness describe how they made their with the volunteers each week top prize. manager for the trust, said: “It and to create sustainable links with breakfast that morning. It sounds boosts their confidence and the Mr Healey — one-time winner was fantastic that Austin Healey organisations that could employ the children in their schools. complicated but was part of an activities help to build their skills of Strictly Come Dancing — could join us for the second year Jude Heaton, head of employability and activity designed to show the across a whole range of subjects was on hand to give advice running. He is a real inspiration higher education access at TeachFirst, is girls that algorithms are nothing from maths and IT to English.” to the players and to deliver for our students who are keen to responsible for the programme. to be afraid of — that they are The TechFuture Girls clubs are masterclasses. improve their skills and develop Speaking about the pilot, he said: something they use every day run free to schools across the UK. He picked John Price, a student even further in the sport.” “We are looking for are people who are passionate about this issue and really want to do something about it. “We also want to work with schools for Speaker helps to flag up new programmes FEATURED whom this is already an identified priority as we think it is essential for the success arliament welcomed two schools last view of the entire UK of the programme that we have the senior leadership team and headteacher support week as they announced the launch and it’s variety of local combined so that the middle leader has of two digital education initiatives. identities. P that foundation in the school.” Joined by House of Commons Speaker “From highlighting He said that TeachFirst was looking for John Bercow, the schools road-tested the natural areas with a combination of particular programmes encouraging children to learn environment of need and opportunity. about the UK’s democratic heritage. a constituency to “It is very important for us that we do The Magna Carta School, in Surrey, drawing on myths, this work in some places that are outside tested and trialled “Magna Carta and the legends and history or London and that are outside urban centres emergence of Parliament”, a programme showing a local trade as well.” that takes school children from key stage or industry, I have A total of £350,000 funding has been 3 and up on a journey with key characters been delighted by the secured for the programme’s first year, from the KPMG Foundation and Goldman to meet, focusing on the development of creativity and diversity Sachs. parliament and its relationship with Magna of the submitted flag Mr Heaton added: “What I’m most Carta between 1215 and 1297. designs.” excited about is that by the end of this year The other initiative, the 2015 Flag Project, The Magna Carta The Speaker, John Bercow, with pupils from Pells CE we can be in a position where we can say, introduces the story of Simon de Montfort’s and the emergence of Primary and The Magna this is what we have found, here are some parliament to pupils in key stage 2. Parliament programme Carta School Inset: Pupils from Pells of the key principles of what we think can It focuses on the concept of was developed in CE try out the 2015 Flag be relevant to all schools. representation and asks young people to partnership with the Project on their iPads “That then becomes part of the national design a flag that represents their local area national archives. policy debate around how we do careers or community to build a child’s-eye view of Chief executive and education, not based on examples from the UK for 2015. keeper of the national other countries, but concrete examples from this country.” One school from each constituency was archives, Jeff James, In addition to the training, a “school invited to submit a flag for the launch of an said: “This resource will rule of law around the world.” toolkit” for a school-wide approach to online exhibition. More than 450 primary offer students a unique opportunity John Bercow said: “Access to and careers education will also be developed. schools took part and Pells CE Primary to explore our wonderful medieval engagement with history can open the It will include a blueprint aimed to School from East Sussex represented the collection. door to exciting experiences and learning develop a whole school work readiness schools at the Houses of Parliament. “The significance of Magna Carta, both opportunities that can really help young strategy, ways of evaluating employability Jonathan Parsons, artistic lead for the in the 13th century and beyond, lay in the people to grow. interventions and whole school careers project, said: “Our project has demonstrated fundamental concept that kings were “The Montfort parliament and Magna provision, and a set of resources that not just the wonderful creativity and not above the law, and in so doing it laid Carta anniversaries provide the perfect teachers can use to embed careers and imagination of all the participants, but the foundation for the future development opportunity to remember the beginning employability education within their also affords a genuinely unique child’s-eye of constitutional government and the of the UK’s democratic journey.” classroom practice. SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 21 MOVERS & SHAKERS Your weekly guide to who’s new and who’s leaving
reg Sayer has been appointed Kerrie Courtier is the new head a senior manager at Let Me of Longvernal Primary School In Play, a provider of school Midsomer Norton, Somerset. Gsport programmes, where She most recently was assistant head he will be responsible for introducing at Weston All Saints Primary School in PE coaches to aid school staff. Bath, but was seconded to Longvernal He will also concentrate on in May last year before her recent continuing professional development to permanent appointment. coaches and sports and activity She is a keen believer in the “forest clubs within schools. schools” philosophy, an educational Mr Sayer, 38, started in his new role approach to outdoor play and learning Monday last week. “I really enjoy in a woodland environment, which she seeing what coaches can offer children,” wants to develop in her new school. he says. “We can give all children “I think it encourages children to take the physical literacy, emotional and risks. It makes them independent, helps thinking skills to achieve everything them to develop problem-solving skills, they want to in life . . . I want to do team work, and just builds confidence. Greg Sayer Kerrie Courtier Ashley Harrold that through sport. I really have seen the benefit of a forest Harris Girls’ Academy in south London. “I’ve worked under some great “PE and sports improve overall school before.” Mr Harrold, 31, puts his rapid career headteachers . . . and I’ve been like a school improvement so if we deliver Mrs Courtier completed a BSc at success down to his wife Samantha and sponge, absorbing all the information great PE then I feel we are having a Bathspa University and in the past two-year-old daughter Ophelia – as that they have given me. I learn from really good impact on education as a 18 months has completed a national well as a hint of luck. them and have put that knowledge into whole.” professional qualification for headship. “My career has been based on practice.” Mr Sayer graduated from Brunel fortune really. Obviously you have to Mr Harrold studied history at University with a degree in leisure Ashley Harrold is to replace retiring work hard, you’re not going to be a University College London and then management. head Janet Felkin at Blatchington Mill school leader unless you put the work completed his PGCE at the Institute of He has since had many roles as a School and Sixth Form College, East in,” he says. Education. sports coach but for the past six years Sussex. has worked at Planet Sport as a business He previously taught at Fulham Cross If you want to let us know of any new faces at the top of your school, local authority or development manager. girls’ school, west London, and then organisation please let us know by emailing [email protected]
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Call 01264 729581 Email [email protected] Visit empra.co.uk @empra 22 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 Comparing Manifestos - Part 2
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) does what it says on the tin; it represents independent schools across the United Kingdom. Its Election 2015 Manifesto, launched on February 4, was collated, and agreed by all eight of its constituent organisations: the Girls’ Schools Association, the Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference, the Independent Association of Prep Schools, the Independent Schools Association, the Society of Heads, the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association, and the Council of British International Schools. The ISC represents about 1,300 independent schools. The current chairman is former Harrow School headmaster Barnaby Lenon. A trustee of the New Schools Network, he helped to start the free school, London Academy media and politics, in the of Excellence, where he is now chair of hope that it will in “some small governors. way” influence policy and reset the The council says it has sent its policy relationship independent schools have with document to “opinion formers” in both the the outside world. WHAT THE LEADERS SAY The thrust of the policy MANIFESTO POINTS recommendations by the ISC is for the independent sector to break • Break down the barriers, whether real or perceived, between down barriers between it and state the independent and state sectors schools, yet remain autonomous • Increase social mobility to “unlock the potential of all children from outside bodies. The group wants to step away and young people” to benefit society as a whole from the image it feels it has in the • Independence from both central government and local wider world. authorities, which leads to “excellence and innovation” Acting general secretary Charlotte Vere said: “Three years • Increase in partnerships between independent and state ago Sir Michael Wilshaw said that schools and new partnerships will be initiated based on local there is a ‘Berlin wall’ between need, not national diktat the state and the independent sectors. The idea, if not the fact, has • No further significant exam reforms; government should take persisted. a step back for the time being. ISC schools are free to choose “Statements such as these their exams and devise their own curricular and accountability are unhelpful; they prevent measures independent schools from offering all that they could and should do to benefit the education of all children TO WHICH PARTY ARE THEY CLOSEST in this country. It is time now to Charlotte Vere tear the barriers down; we want to The ISC’s manifesto seems to lash out, would increase partnership with its state advantaged children in the state sector.” be seen for what we really are and subtly, at certain points raised by the counterparts without “national diktat”, She said 90 per cent of ISC schools what we can offer. Labour party. there is a nod to its anger with Mr Hunt’s worked in partnership with the state sector “The continued use of school type as In what was a controversial proposals. and local community, and the ISC wanted to a proxy for wealth is endemic within announcement, shadow education Yet, the sector also does not seem to offer more bursaries to children. government and in other organisations. It is secretary Tristram Hunt announced be too happy with coalition policies over “It is time to drop the outdated stereotypes independent schools would lose their the past five years, mainly exam reforms meaningless and a lazy stereotype that helps and choose a positive view of the future. Let tax breaks worth £700m over five years if pushed through by former education no one. us focus on what our real priority should be: they did not help state pupils if a Labour secretary Michael Gove. However it echoes “There are disadvantaged children in educating children.” government was in place after May. the Conservative push for “autonomy” in independent schools just as there are By stating, in its manifesto, that it the school system. SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 23
In the run up to this May’s general election, Schools Week will analyse the manifestos of various education organisations, typically from opposite ends of the political spectrum. This second pre-election manifesto comparison is between the Independent Schools Comparing Manifestos - Part 2 Council and the teachers’ union NASUWT
NASUWT
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has more than 330,000 members. Its story began almost a century ago with the 1919 formation of the National Association of Men Teachers, which a year later became the National Association of Schoolmasters. annual conference at Easter. In 1976 it merged with the Union The union has produced a canvassing of Women Teachers, after the Sex card to support voters in asking election Discrimination Act made it illegal to exclude candidates who come to their door key membership on the grounds of gender. The questions about their support for education. NASUWT was born. The union is urging its members to Unlike other groups, it has not compiled register to vote in the upcoming election a “manifesto” as such, but is calling the and on its website points members in the issues in its Vote for Education Campaign direction to the government’s “register to “promises” that it wants the next vote” online site. government to uphold. It says it has conducted research with parents and families during this parliament, which has shaped the campaign. The union’s campaign encompasses digital campaigning via social media and the NASUWT website, and the distribution of booklets, posters and letters to schools, teachers and the wider public. The NASUWT will also be making the on-going campaign a focal point of its WHAT THE LEADERS SAY MANIFESTO POINTS The NASUWT believes all of the “promises” it has listed have been • All children and young people are entitled to be taught by a broken under the past five years of a coalition government. qualified teacher, and highly skilled professionals General secretary Chris Keates • All children and young people are entitled to a broad-based, says this May’s general election balanced and national curriculum will be a “key defining moment” for education and public services. • All barriers to achievement for children and young people with “The focus of the union’s special educational needs should be removed; no child’s life or campaigning activity is that a life chances should be derailed or degraded by poverty publicly funded education service should provide • Access to education should not be based on parents’ ability entitlements for all children and to pay; investment in education should be a key priority for young people. These are the government; publicly funded education should not be run for promises successive governments have made to children and young profit people, which have been broken • Every child and young person should be guaranteed a place at a by the coalition. local school or college “The NASUWT’s campaign sets out what is now required by government to ensure that all children and young people have TO WHICH PARTY ARE THEY CLOSEST access to high quality education provision. The union describes itself as having no of the Conservative/Lib Dem parliament, “The NASUWT is calling for a party political affiliations. mainly spearheaded by former education return to the ethos and values However, its call for an end to secretary Michael Gove. of public service–social justice Chris Keates unqualified teachers echoes that of the The union says that it has been one and equality. Public services held on children and young people. shadow education secretary, Tristram of the strongest voices for trade union and managed in trust for the public and “The NASUWT believes that all who Hunt, and views expressed by Liberal action; a vocal group that has been part of democratically accountable believe in social justice, in equality and Democrat leader and deputy prime numerous strikes against teacher pay and “The NASUWT makes the point in its democracy and who are concerned about minister, Nick Clegg, in June last year. pension changes. campaign that teachers’ pay and the future of our children and young The NASUWT makes it clear that it is It is clear the NASUWT wants anything conditions of service are inextricably people will recognise the need for a unhappy with the way education policy but a Conservative government after the linked to the provision of high quality change of political direction after the has drifted in the past four and a half years public heads to the polls in May. education. Attacks on teachers are attacks 2015 general election.” 24 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 jobs St Paul’s Way ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYABILITY Trust School CO-ORDINATOR COMMUNITY BASED
THE NORMAL SALARY BANDING FOR THIS POST IS £25,770 - £27,279 PER ANNUM. HOWEVER A TOTAL
REMUNERATION PACKAGE OF UP TO £35,000 PER ANNUM MAY BE PAID FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL
CANDIDATE WHO IS ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE A HIGH LEVEL OF RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE.
FULL TIME | 35 HOURS PER WEEK | TEMPORARY TO END AUGUST 2016
St Paul’s Way Trust School, in partnership with St Paul’s Way CIC, with the generous support of J.P. Morgan Chase the successful transformation of the area and inculcate a dynamic and aspirational culture, enabling local people to Foundation, is seeking to appoint an outstanding Community Based Enterprise and Employability Co-ordinator. play a full part in the wider transformation of East London. With our project with J.P. Morgan now in its second phase, you will join a small dynamic team and a play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of a £200m Transformation Project which is regenerating the local area, both In March 2013, Ofsted described the school as ‘Outstanding’ in every category, including the VI Form. We were physically and socially. recently designated as a National Teaching School. The school was commended for its “relentless pursuit of scholarship and excellence”. Our award winning new building is situated in the heart of East London and Professor This is a significant career opportunity for a creative self-starter who believes passionately in the role that business Brian Cox OBE is our Patron. and enterprise can play in generating social mobility. Your project management skills will make our vision, in which students and members of the local community run and take responsibility for their own enterprises, a reality. If you have dynamic ideas about how building a culture of enterprise can help to transform communities, we would In addition you will promote opportunities for work experience, secondments, and internships that will enable very much like to hear from you. students to develop key St Pauls Way Graduate skills (Investigation, Communication, Participation, Networking, Scholarship and Vision). Deadline for applications: Midday Wednesday 25th March 2015
You will be an outstanding communicator and team player who can work effectively with a wide range of For further details of the post and to download an application pack please visit www.spwt.net organisations to support enterprise projects. You will have experience in running projects, and knowledge of how small businesses work. You will be an adaptable team player, who has the ability to develop exciting plans and set To apply, please send covering letter and completed application form to [email protected] and meet targets. To arrange a visit, please email [email protected]
Situated in the heart of East London, just minutes from Canary Wharf, St Paul’s Way Trust School is a successful and oversubscribed school for boys and girls aged 4-18. St Paul’s Way CIC was established by Lord Mawson to continue Please Note: We do not accept CVs alone.
St Paul’s Way Trust School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS Check.
Become an examiner HEATHROW AVIATION ENGINEERING with Cambridge UTC
Teacher of Mathematics Cambridge International Examinations is growing and over 10000 schools in more £25,369 - £42,000 (depending upon experience) - Including Outer London Allowance than 160 countries are now part of our Cambridge learning community. We are looking for a Mathematics specialist with a passion for and/or experience in our specialism. Being To support our continued growth worldwide, we are expanding and strengthening able to offer another specialism in science, computing or engineering would be an added advantage. our examiner network across the Cambridge curriculum. We are inviting teachers Teacher of Physics to develop their professional experience by becoming Cambridge examiners. £25,369 - £42,000 (depending upon experience) - Including Outer London Allowance Opportunities exist in examining at all levels of the Cambridge curriculum in all We are looking for a Physics specialist with a passion for and/or experience in our specialism. Being subject areas. able to offer another specialism in science, computing, mathematics or engineering would be an added advantage. Requirements are: We offer: Engineering Technician 0.5 • Applicants should be • A powerful insight into the Salary: c £18,000- £22,000 (pro rata) experienced teachers teaching and assessment of We require an Engineering Technician who will assist with the running of the Engineering Department, with a degree in the Cambridge qualifi cations aiding students in the safe use of equipment and to contribute to the maintenance of equipment plus the subject in which they • Support in developing your preparation of materials used in the lessons. would like to examine own professional practice PA to Principal – 0.5fte • Applicants for senior • The highest standards of £21,000 (pro rata) roles will need previous training and support We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Personal Assistant to serve as the primary contact for the examining experience • Freelance opportunities, Principal and take overall responsibility for administrative and secretarial support. • Successful applicants based on contracts Teacher of Computing – 0.5fte will require a PC and for services for each £25,369- £35,468 depending upon experience - Including Outer London Allowance broadband to allow them examination series, to access Cambridge We are looking for a Computing specialist with a passion for and/or experience in our specialism. Being which fi t around able to offer another specialism in science, mathematics or engineering would be an added advantage. on-screen marking your existing systems. commitments. Teacher of Engineering Positions Up to £42,000 (dependant upon experience), includes Outer London Allowance With expertise in Engineering you will have proven experience in Engineering at KS4 and/or Post 16. You'll be dedicated to the delivery of education and training with a track record of engagement with young people leading to excellent personal outcomes. To apply, please visit www.cie.org.uk/makeyourmark Closing date for all roles: 10 April 2015
For more information visit: www.heathrow-utc.org/about-us/staff-vacancies
Schools Week 1/4 page.indd 1 10/03/2015 17:00 SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 25 jobs HEADTEACHER SOUTH SHIELDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL SALARY RANGE OF L29 TO L35
South Shields Community School is a flourishing secondary school with a mission to strive for excellence in all we do. We moved into our amazing new school building in 2011 which offers great facilities for our students and local community. In June 2014 Ofsted classed us as Good in all categories. The Governing Body are seeking to appoint a talented and ambitious Headteacher to help us capitalise on our recent successes and shape the undoubtedly exciting future of South Shields Community School.
The successful candidate will have a passion for education with skills to lead and encourage staff and students to achieve their very best. We require a Headteacher who: • can demonstrate relevant and recent experience in successful school leadership • is committed to raising standards and has a proven track record of achieving high outcomes for all children • can plan strategically with sound resource management • can motivate, engage and communicate with children, staff, parents and governors • has experience and knowledge of strategies to ensure inclusion and to promote British values
In return we will offer you: • a school with a positive ethos where learners enjoy and achieve • staff and governors who are committed, talented and highly motivated • an innovative curriculum that is Progress 8 and Attainment 8 ready • commitment to your ongoing professional development
You are very welcome to visit our school. To arrange a visit, please contact Debbie Wilson, PA to the Senior Leadership Team on 0191 4568929 or e-mail [email protected].
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 21 April 2015 and Wednesday 22 April 2015.
The Governing Body and South Tyneside Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will require an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
To find out more about this role please visit www.southtyneside.info/jobs. Alternatively you can e-mail [email protected] or call 0191 455 4968. BT Typetalkers welcome.
Closing date: Noon, Thursday 26 March 2015
ST HELEN’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, CLIFFE, KENT
START DATE: SEPTEMBER 2015 HEADTEACHER SALARY: LEADERSHIP SCALE L13 – L18 (£51,372 - £58,096) PER ANNUM PRO RATA
Due to the relocation of our current Head teacher the Governors of St. Helens Church of England Primary School, Cliffe are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, passionate Head Teacher with excellent communication and leadership skills to lead our team and inspire us to continue to improve and raise pupil attainment and progress.
The school has made many improvements in recent years which we are proud of and we are keen to progress further through effective collaborative working. We are looking for a Head Teacher who will build upon our success to take St Helen’s forward on its journey towards reaching its full potential.
ABOUT US: • We are a friendly and happy single form entry voluntary controlled local authority run primary school with classes of 19-32 pupils. We take children 4-11 years. • Our school motto is “Playing together, learning together, growing together” and this is reinforced by the Christian ethos that underpins the schools values. • We are at the heart of our community and use the strong links we have built up to provide context and depth to our wider learning objectives. • The Children are proud of their school and their community and at St. Helens we provide a safe and productive learning environment for them to thrive and grow into confident contributing members of the community. • We have a dedicated and enthusiastic team of Teachers, Teaching Assistants, support staff and Governors with a large band of parent helpers who all work together to create a school environment where everyone’s contribution is valued and children feel that their achievements and success are recognised.
THE APPOINTMENT: The Governing body of St Helens C of E Primary School are seeking to appoint a forward thinking, committed and informed Head teacher with excellent communication skills. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to further develop their career and build upon those skills already gained from being a successful Head Teacher or a Deputy Head Teacher. The successful candidate will work in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure the continuing success and progression of our pupils. We are looking for a leader who will need to be able to challenge, inspire and motivate their team and develop a strategic vision for the school in both the short and long term.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school. To arrange an informal visit, please contact Lynn Soules, our school secretary on 01634 220246.
Visit our school website www.sthelens.medway.sch.uk/
This school is committed to recruiting with care and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and Closing date: Thursday 2nd April 2015 expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Interviews: Thursday 23rd April 2015 – Assessment day Friday 24th April 2015 Interviews 26 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 jobs
TEACHERS REQUIRED FOR SEPTEMBER 2015: TEACHERS OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION AND HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Parkside Federation Academies runs two popular secondary schools in Cambridge, Coleridge Community College and Parkside Community College. We also operate an international sixth form, Parkside Sixth. A third secondary school is currently planned to open in 2015 in south Cambridge. In our schools we have high expectations of all our students and aim to provide them with the best teaching and support that a dedicated staff can offer. We are both demanding and liberal and want our students to develop into articulate and confident young people with clear personal and professional goals.
As our Federation grows, we are looking for people to work with us who will share our commitment to excellence, innovation and collaboration.
For more information about our federation, open positions and application details please visit our website, www.parksidefederation.org.uk and follow links from Parkside, Coleridge, Trumpington to Vacancies. Completed applications should be sent to Janet Mills, HR Manager, Parkside Federation Academies, Parkside, Cambridge, CB1 1EH or emailed [email protected]
Parkside Federation Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is a regulated activity and an enhanced DBS check will be required.
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION PACK FROM OUR WEBSITE www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk/jobs
01722 344238
WE NEED TWELVE OUTSTANDING TEACHERS ACROSS A RANGE OF SUBJECTS Subject leader vacancies: Teaching vacancies: • English Subject Leader • Biology • Geography ONCE IN A CAREER CHANCE TO BE PART OF • Maths Team Leader • Chemistry • Maths THIS INSPIRATIONAL UTC FROM THE START • Computer Science • Engineering • Physics Subject Leader • English • Psychology • French & Spanish APPLY BY 25 MARCH, INTERVIEWS BY END APRIL, START SEPTEMBER 2015 • Specialist Science & Engineering UTC in Salisbury • Opens September in an £8m refurbished site Subject leaders up to £42k and other posts up to £36k • All subjects up to Level 3 depending on experience/responsibility • Daily contact and annual CPD with world class employers • Industry-standard specialist facilities • Motivated students aged 14-18
Driven by a Russell Group University and world class employers SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 22 FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015 27
ST THOMAS’ CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL SALARY: IN THE REGION OF £65,000 HEADTEACHER POSITION START DATE: SEPTEMBER 2015
An exceptional opportunity to lead a much-loved, Outstanding Catholic primary school into the future. An opportunity to work collaboratively with a number of external organisations – KCSP, Sevenoaks & District St Thomas’ Catholic Primary Academy sits at the very heart of the Catholic community in Sevenoaks, Kent. Due School Partnership, Deanery and the Diocese Education Commission - and play an active role in the promotion to retirement, the Governors are seeking to appoint an inspirational Headteacher who is a Practising Catholic, of excellence in Catholic education in Kent. leads by example and will further develop our school’s great potential whilst maintaining its Catholic ethos and character. We are a committed member of the Kent Catholic School Partnership (KCSP) Multi-Academy A carefully planned programme of support including a comprehensive induction programme, availability of Trust and this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic leader to join our forward thinking mentoring support and continued professional development and training targeted to individual needs. organisation and to promote excellence in Catholic Education in Kent. We asked our children to describe what makes a great Headteacher and they said: Everyone says that there’s something special about our school. Here’s what you’ll find there: “Someone we can trust, who knows all our names, who remembers my brother – even though he left 3 years ago! Someone who is fun, kind, fair, a good listener, thinks differently, is cheerful, caring and loving, who sees A friendly, welcoming community made up of: things from our point of view.” • Happy, motivated and engaged children, who are curious, enjoy learning and above all love their school If it is time for you to take the next step in your successful school leadership career, then St Thomas’ Catholic • A strong team of talented and collegiate staff open to ideas, willing to embrace new visions and Primary School can offer you an exciting opportunity. We warmly encourage you to visit us. committed to driving through school improvement • A knowledgeable and active Governing Body who will support you as you strive to innovate, improve, Closing date: Monday 30th March at 9am encourage and engage Short listing: Tuesday 31st March • An involved and dedicated Parent Body who work hard at developing our sense of community and are Date of Interviews: Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd April always on hand to help out For an informal discussion about the role contact Dion Mills on 01273 721579/ 07899 063321 or via email An ambitious, progressive environment. Reaching Ofsted Outstanding in February last year was just the [email protected] beginning. We have a lot more to do. We want to extend the range and use ICT resources, for example. We want to explore the school’s physical capacity as well as continue to improve the breadth and depth of our pupils’ For an application pack and to book a school tour, please contact Emma Fletcher on 01273 721579 or via email education. Your vision and energy will help us with this. [email protected]
Our school and all its personnel are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and the post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory pre-employment checks and references. The Kent Catholic Schools Partnership is an equal opportunities employer.
Ark Tindal Primary Academy, Birmingham
Primary Headteacher
Ark Tindal is a successful primary school in Birmingham. Along with the other Ark schools in the area, it aims to provide an outstanding education for all pupils, regardless of background or ability. Now it is looking for a Headteacher to steer it to outstanding.
It’s an exciting time to join us. Tindal is a good school that is constantly improving. It is part of a close-knit and growing group of academies in Birmingham. At Tindal you will have the chance to drive a school forward, while being supported every step of the way by experienced colleagues from Ark, one of the country’s top-performing school groups – making this a perfect opportunity for an ambitious senior leader.
You will be a determined leader with a record of raising standards in a complex environment and a flair for developing talent.
We’d love you to come and visit us. To arrange this, or for an informal conversation, contact Ark’s Head of Principal Recruitment, Corrina O’Beirne, on Corrina.O’[email protected] or 0203 116 0800.
The closing date for applications is 11am Monday 30 March.
To apply, go to: arktindalprimary.org/vacancies
We value diversity and are committed to safeguarding and promoting child welfare. The successful candidate will be subject to DBS and any other relevant employment checks.
Tindal head.indd 1 05/03/2015 15:11 28 @SCHOOLSWEEK SCHOOLS WEEK FRIDAY, MAR 13, 2015
EARNING MY PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEGREE FROM THE INSIDE Michelle Hook, 23 #GetInGoFar
GET IN. GO FAR
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