Agenda item

This report provides an update on the standards achieved in Bath and North East Somerset in the 2014 national tests and examinations.

The Head of Education Improvement introduced this item to the Panel.

She explained that schools within Bath and North East Somerset are in the bottom 25% nationally for the percentage of children and young people from low income (disadvantaged pupils and eligible for Pupil premium funding) families who achieve a good level of development in the EYFS (33% compared to 60% national); L4+ in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of KS2 and 5 A* - C passes at GCSE or equivalent including English and mathematics (32% compared to 62% national).

She said that at KS4 the local authority gap for disadvantaged pupils compared to other pupils achieving 5A*- C including English and mathematics narrowed from 39.1 to 34, this compares with the national gap of 27.5.

She stated that in 2014 the gaps in the EYFS increased and the proportion of disadvantaged children who achieved a good level of development was below the national for other children. 

She explained that high ability pupils are those who started secondary school at L5 or above and are referred to as high prior attainment group in the national data.  A higher proportion of high prior ability pupils in Bath and North East Somerset achieved the English Baccalaureate than nationally, and this performance was significantly above national. She added that Bath and North East Somerset was also significantly above for Science and above for every other measure except for Languages, where it was in line. Progress for high prior ability pupils is in line with the progress of higher ability pupils nationally. Value added for high prior ability pupils rose substantially form 998.6 in 2012 to 1000.8 in 2013, and is almost exactly in line in 2014 (999.9).  This shows that high prior ability pupils are achieving the outcomes they should.

She said that the overall picture was a positive one and highlighted some more of the key successes and future challenges.

Councillor Michael Evans asked how the value added levels can be increased for our disadvantaged pupils.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that it is the expectation that the Pupil Premium funding will assist in narrowing the gap and that we should look to raise the levels of all pupils and seek that they achieve their best possible results.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the results in relation to disadvantaged pupils were due to a lack of funding and if the Pupil Premium was being spent in other areas.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that she wished to remind the Panel that these were small cohorts and felt assured that the funding will make a difference.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities commented that he was sure that schools were honouring the funding appropriately.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what strategies are in place to improve the current levels.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that all schools are visited twice a year. She added that the Pupil Premium Wheel provides a range of strategies to support schools in narrowing the achievement gap and is currently being piloted with a small group of primary and one maintained secondary school.  In addition she said that schools will be encouraged to participate in the Achievement for All, a national project with a proven track record in narrowing the gap for all disadvantaged groups.

Councillor Nicholas Coombes commented that receiving this information was one thing, but would like to have seen more as to what the Council can do to help those pupils that need it most.

The Chair said that she wondered whether schools had taken on board the difference in schooling for those of different nationalities.

The People & Communities Director commented that he was aware that Polish parents were supporting fellow parents with children entering the school system. He added that this remained a challenge for the future.

The Head of Education Improvement added that supplementary schools were in place for Chinese, Polish and Afro-Caribbean pupils.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.