Luke Chapman, Snodland Liberal Democrat Campaigner, has welcomed the announcement by the Liberal Democrat Schools Minister David Laws MP of a new firm but fair system of measuring secondary schools’ performance, based on every student’s progress from the ages of 11 to 16.
From 2016, secondary schools will be judged on the progress each of their students makes from the end of primary school to securing eight subjects at GCSE level – with a special focus on English and maths.
Schools will be judged on improvements all students make, scrapping the existing 5 ‘C’ threshold.
The new league tables will show students’ achievements across their best eight subjects, including English and maths, and three other subjects such as arts, high-quality vocational qualifications, or other English Baccalaureate subjects.
The reform will raise standards and set high expectations for all schools and children, building a stronger economy and a fairer society.
The new measure will reward schools that raise standards for all students, wherever their talents lie, helping all pupils to reach their potential.
Commenting, Luke Chapman, Snodland Liberal Democrat Campaigner said:
“I believe that this Government is pursuing the right policy to secure the success of our future generations. Although we are now placing particular emphasis on maths and English as core subjects, we are also striving to ensure that our students develop a broad range of interests.
“This policy is also a step forward as it will no longer mean that schools are purely focused on pushing their students over ‘C’ threshold, instead schools will be concentrated on constantly improving all of their students’ results. This is the right approach to ensure that we provide our children with the best education possible”
Commenting further, David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools, said:
“A huge number of children are being failed by the current system – and they are disproportionally poorer pupils. The current measure puts the focus on just five GCSEs and encourages schools only to focus on C/D borderline students.
“Too many schools ignore the progress of their pupils at the top end and lower end of performance. The threshold measure is narrow, blunt and unambitious.
“The new system will be smart, firm and fair – ensuring all schools focus on all children, helping them reach their potential.”
