Number of Shropshire schools in special measures rises
Four schools were placed under special measures in Shropshire within a five month period this year, according to a new report.
The report compiled by Shropshire Council reveals that the numbers of schools requiring special measures increased from five in November 2012 to nine in March this year – a rise of 80 per cent.
The judgements of "inadequate" – the lowest rating a school can be awarded – were imposed by schools regulator Ofsted and now action plans have been put in place at those affected to raise standards.
Those currently under special measures in Shropshire include Sir John Talbot's Technology College in Whitchurch, Holy Trinity Primary School in Oswestry, St Mary's Primary in Shawbury and the Grange Primary and Mereside Church of England Primary, both in Shrewsbury.
In September last year Ofsted inspectors introduced changes to the way it inspects schools, which has seen some schools appear to suffer a drop in their gradings and added that independent studies had shown that an inadequate rating often acted as the catalyst for improvement in schools.
Council members will be shown a copy of the quarterly performance report on Wednesday at a meeting of the authority's safe and confident communities scrutiny committee at Shirehall.
In the report, it says that two of the four priorities for Shropshire Council were keeping children safe and high quality education.
The report also reveals that during 2012/13 the percentage of primary school in the county rated good or outstanding had steadily increased to 65 per cent.
And the number of secondary schools rated good or outstanding has remained at 68 per cent – above Shropshire Council's target of 65 per cent.
Karen Bradshaw, director of children's services at Shropshire Council, said school staff, governing bodies and parents support pupils.
She said: "Ofsted inspections present local authorities the opportunity to really work with the school and the governing body to develop an agreed action plan.
"Teachers, governors and parents work incredibly hard to support pupils to reach their full potential, and there is a clear determination by everyone to make sure that the improvements seen this year continue.
"We are already seeing significant impact in improving teaching and achievement and that Ofsted inspectors have noted the improvements made."
She added: "Shropshire Council is committed to continue driving standards up to ensure that children get the best possible education they can."
