Agenda item

This report sets out the headlines of pupil performance in 2014 at ages 5, 7, 11, 16 and 18.

The Head of Education Improvement introduced this item to the Panel. She highlighted some key points from within the report.

She informed them that pupils in Key Stage 1, 2, and 4 continue to attain well and make good progress compared to other local authorities and national expectations on all measures.

She said that in the Early Years Foundation Stage there had been a significant improvement in the proportion of children who achieve and exceed national expectations. She added that the percentage of children who achieve a Good Level of Development improved significantly from 51% to 63% and this is above the national average of 60%.

Key Stage 1

Level 2b+

Overall pupils’ attainment at KS1 at the more secure L2b+ improved in reading by 1% and mathematics by 2% in line with the national average.  Attainment in writing dipped by 3% and this goes against the national trend of a 1% increase.  Attainment in reading and mathematics is above national and our statistical neighbours.  Writing is the same as national and 1% below statistical neighbours.

The performance of pupils eligible for FSM improved in all subject with the biggest improvement of 9% in reading.  The gaps narrowed in all subjects but remain high when compared to the national average with the biggest gap (23%) in writing.

Level 3+

The attainment of FSM increased in reading, writing and mathematics.  The gap in writing attainment closed the result of a 2% dip in writing for non FSM pupils. The gaps for FSM pupils have narrowed in all core subjects.

BME pupils’ attainment improved in all subjects and the gaps narrowed in reading and mathematics and increased in writing.

Key Stage 2 

Level 4+

Attainment at L4+ improved in reading, writing and mathematics and for combined reading, writing and mathematics. The proportion of pupils who achieved L4+ in reading, writing and mathematics combined improved by 4% higher than national (2%).  Overall attainment for combined L4+ in reading, writing and mathematics remains above the national average (80% compared to 79) for the third consecutive year.

Level 5+

Attainment at the higher L5+ improved and is above the national average in all subjects and for all groups with the exception of reading for pupils with SEN.  Higher attaining (L5+) pupils achieved 58% in reading, 36% in writing and 46% in mathematics.  26% achieved L5+ in combined reading, writing and mathematics. Overall performances at the higher level 5+ has improved and are at least in line with or above the national average.

Progress across Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2

The proportion of pupils exceeding expectations improved in writing and mathematics and dipped in reading.  Overall performance is below the national average in all core subjects.

Boys’ outperformed the girls in mathematics and reading and the girls performed better in writing.

The proportion of pupils achieving 3 levels of progress improved in writing and mathematics but dipped in reading.

Key Stage 4

In September 2013, to address the significant increase in early entries, the department announced that only the first result a pupil achieved would count in performance measures from 2013/14.  This new rule came into effect immediately with regard to English Baccalaureate subjects and will be expanded to apply to all subjects in 2014/15.  This new rule only affects a school’s performance measure calculations; pupils will still be accredited with every grade achieved, regardless of the number of entries.

Overall the Local Authority has performed better than the national average on all indicators for GCSE.  This is an improvement on previous years despite the changes outlined above.

Expected levels of Progress

Bath & North East Somerset lies 5th of 15 Local Authorities in the South West (excluding the Isles of Scilly) for progress in English at KS4.

Bath & North East Somerset lies 3rd of 15 Local Authorities in the South West (excluding the Isles of Scilly) for making progress in Mathematics at KS4.

Post 16

The points per learner has improved this year by 13.3 points.  This is the third successive year of improvement.  The points per exam entry has remained the same as in 2013.  The average grade achieved by A level students for all Post 16 settings in the local authority area in 2013 is a C grade.  This is against an average grade of C+ for all schools and colleges for England.

There has been an increase in the average points per learner this year and the average points per exam entry has remained the same as in 2013. 

Councillor Sarah Bevan asked if the Bath Community Academy, formerly Culverhay School was the most improved in the South West.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that it was, but that its results were still below the national average.

Councillor Liz Hardman wished to congratulate the teachers and students for their hard work this year. She asked what resources were available to attempt to continue to improve results.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that this work would be addressed from within existing budgets.

Councillor Nicholas Coombes asked in terms of A Level results whether the Points per Learner or Points perm Exam Entry was the best measure to record an average grade.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that it would be Points per Learner.

Edward Joseph asked if studio schools now provided a better option for students.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that they were in a place to offer a different option for students.

Councillor Michael Evans commented that he believed our education system was in relative decline when compared with developing countries. He suggested that further national comparisons could be made within the report and a focus given to the improvements we can make. He added that he would also like to have seen further information on NEET and Value Added.

He said that while he appreciated that gaps needed to be addressed he maintained his wish to see a focus on achieving excellent results.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that he would take those points on board for when the report was compiled next year.

Councillor David Veale commented how he felt it was important for children to feel happy at school as well as receiving a good education.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that previous SHEU surveys had taken happiness into account.

Councillor Nicholas Coombes commented that he felt that attainment levels were well set out within the report. He said that he would also welcome some work carried out on how we can assist our most able pupils to gain their best results.

Councillor Liz Hardman said that it was important to give pupils the most appropriate support they need.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

i)  Note the significant improvements in the Early Years and Foundation Stage compared to national

ii)  Note that pupils in Key Stage 1, 2, and 4 continue to attain well and make good progress compared to other local authorities and national expectations on all measures

iii)   Note the improvements in narrowing the gaps for pupils eligible for pupil premium funding

iv)   Commend schools and the Local Authority staff for their continuing effectiveness in achieving high standards

v)   Agree that raising the achievement of particular underperforming groups of pupils and improving pupil progress remains a priority for the Local Authority in commissioning support and challenging schools and settings.