William Eichler 13 April 2016

Council criticised for ‘shocking fall’ in exam results

A council has been criticised for a ‘shocking fall’ in the GCSE results of pupils on free school meals.

Ofsted have written to Reading Borough Council urging them to do more to improve exam results, particularly for children receiving free school meals (FSM).

The percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grade A* to C fell from 59.3% in 2014, to 57.5% in 2015.

The inspectorate’s letter, however, emphasises the more worrying news came from what they describe as the ‘shocking fall’ in the GCSE performance of pupils eligible for FSM.

In 2014, 30.7% of FSM pupils achieved 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and mathematics. This figure dropped to 23.8% in 2015.

Bradley Simmons, Ofsted Regional Director for the South East, explained that FSM pupils in Reading get the worst GCSE results in the south east. He also warned of growing inequalities.

‘Reading’s results show a wide and worsening gap between the achievement of these pupils and their more advantaged peers, both locally and nationally,’ he said.

‘Local authorities have a responsibility to champion their most vulnerable pupils. That is why I am calling on Reading Borough Council to explain what they are doing to address this serious situation.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner