Menu
11/01/2006
Schools 'failing' one million pupils
Around a million pupils in England are receiving inadequate education, the National Audit Office (NAO) has reported.
The NAO report said that 1,577 schools in England were performing poorly by July last year. However, the report also said that the number of failing schools had halved between 1998 and 2005. The report said that problems in poorly performing schools were not being dealt with quickly enough.
Edward Leigh, chairman of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee urged local authorities, the Department for Education and Skills and education watchdog Ofsted to act faster to improve failing schools or close them "before their pupils chances in life are ruined". He said: "It is tragic that so many pupils are still not getting the education they deserve."
Commenting on the report, Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said that the report endorsed plans in the government's education White Paper to introduce faster measures to tackle failing schools.
Ms Smith said that, under the measures, any schools that failed to show improvement after 12 months would face closure.
(KMcA)
The NAO report said that 1,577 schools in England were performing poorly by July last year. However, the report also said that the number of failing schools had halved between 1998 and 2005. The report said that problems in poorly performing schools were not being dealt with quickly enough.
Edward Leigh, chairman of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee urged local authorities, the Department for Education and Skills and education watchdog Ofsted to act faster to improve failing schools or close them "before their pupils chances in life are ruined". He said: "It is tragic that so many pupils are still not getting the education they deserve."
Commenting on the report, Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said that the report endorsed plans in the government's education White Paper to introduce faster measures to tackle failing schools.
Ms Smith said that, under the measures, any schools that failed to show improvement after 12 months would face closure.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 October 2015
Consultation On Schools Proposal Unveiled
The government has launched a new public consultation on proposals to speed up the transformation of failing schools and schools that are deemed to be "coasting". First proposed by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan in the Education and Adoption Bill in June, the new rule will allow the government to swiftly intervene and turn around failing schools.
Consultation On Schools Proposal Unveiled
The government has launched a new public consultation on proposals to speed up the transformation of failing schools and schools that are deemed to be "coasting". First proposed by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan in the Education and Adoption Bill in June, the new rule will allow the government to swiftly intervene and turn around failing schools.
10 October 2005
Poorer pupils ‘underrepresented’ at top state schools
Pupils from poorer families are “significantly underrepresented” at the UK’s top 200 state secondary schools, an education charity has reported. The report, by the Sutton Trust, found that only 3% of students at those schools qualify for free school meals, compared to a national average of 14.3%.
Poorer pupils ‘underrepresented’ at top state schools
Pupils from poorer families are “significantly underrepresented” at the UK’s top 200 state secondary schools, an education charity has reported. The report, by the Sutton Trust, found that only 3% of students at those schools qualify for free school meals, compared to a national average of 14.3%.
01 March 2005
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
