“We strive for excellence and we are not where we want to be.”
Isle of Wight Council’s education lead, Cllr Debbie Andre, has reacted to the government listing the Island among 55 areas where school outcomes are the weakest.
Education ‘cold spots’
These education ‘cold spots’ are identified as part of the government’s education levelling up agenda, announced last week.
Our schools will be a target for investment, support and action, to help children from all backgrounds succeed, said the government.
Andre: Much to consider
Cllr Andre told a meeting of leading cabinet members last night (Thursday) there was much to consider.
She said we have many excellent teachers, but admitted schooling has been facing challenges on the Island and was not at the level of ‘excellence’ the local authority strives for.
Andre: We must invest in their future
Cllr Andre promised higher targets and extra support and hoped the additional funding from the government would mean the recruitment and retention of more high-quality teachers.
She said,
“Our children are our future and we must invest in their education.”
Specialist ‘sixth-form free school’
The Department for Education says there will be priorities for a new specialist ‘sixth-form free school’.
Schools judged below ‘good’ in successive Ofsted inspections could be moved into ‘strong multi-academy trusts’.
‘Levelling-up premiums’
There is also a ‘levelling-up premium’, to improve teacher retention in high priority subjects.
Critics have called it ‘frankly alarming and deeply concerning’ claiming the government has tried to ‘tinker’ with the education system before, but with disappointing outcomes.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: tabor-roeder under CC BY 2.0
