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Estyn publishes secondary school improvement strategies

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All schools in Wales have the potential to improve the education they offer, but different schools may need different strategies, according to Estyn, depending on their stage of development.

In a report published today, the inspectorate provides an insight into the common characteristics displayed by schools that have improved their provision from different starting points. Twelve secondary school improvement journeys features case studies written by current headteachers showing how they have significantly boosted the standards and performance in their school.

Ann Keane, Chief Inspector of Estyn, says,

“Different kinds of schools may need different styles of leadership. A school that is in special measures will need a different approach from what is needed in a school that is already maintaining high standards. Our inspectors have seen many schools at different stages of their improvement journey and our report today illustrates practical strategies that schools can implement themselves.

 

“Schools should use the improvement journey report to identify their own stage of development, to inform their planning and take action.”

There are a number of features that the inspectorate has identified as common to the improvement journey in all schools, whatever their stage of development. These are:

  • A clear vision;
  • Learners placed at the heart of provision;
  • Teaching and assessment as the key to improving standards;
  • Analysis of performance data;
  • Strong focus on literacy and numeracy;
  • High expectations of staff and pupils;
  • Challenge from governors; and
  • A curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.

John Summers High School, Flintshire, provides one of the case studies in the report and is a school that has travelled from being judged as unsatisfactory in 2005, to good in 2011. In the report, the headteacher reflects on the three factors that had the biggest impact on improving standards, which were school culture, teaching and learning, and quality assurance.

Notes to Editors

About the report

  • Estyn’s report Twelve secondary school improvement journeys is available in full here.

Best practice case studies

  • Cefn Hengoed Community School, Swansea
  • Connah’s Quay High School, Flintshire
  • John Summers High School, Flintshire
  • Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff
  • Newtown High School, Powys
  • Oakdale Comprehensive School, Caerphilly
  • Olchfa School, Swansea
  • Sandfields Comprehensive School, Neath Port Talbot
  • Ysgol Bryn Elian, Conwy
  • Ysgol Cwm Rhymni, Caerphilly
  • Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Gwynedd
  • Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, Swansea

About Estyn

Estyn is the Education and Training Inspectorate for Wales. Our aim is to achieve excellence for all in learning in Wales. We do this by providing an independent, high-quality inspection and advice service.

Our vision is to be recognised through the expertise of our staff as an authoritative voice on learning in Wales.

We are independent from, but funded by the Welsh Assembly Government (under Section 104 of the Government of Wales Act 1998).

For further information please visit our website www.estyn.gov.uk