Since I got no takers in secondary!

[OrmIrian]

FFS have a look will you?

Doesn't it negate the need for Ofsted. Since the only thing that matters is the results. Think of the time, money and teacher's fingernails we could save if we abolished Ofsted inspections

Oh FFS.

"Ministers are targeting schools where less than 30% of pupils get five good GCSEs, including English and maths"

They might as well just lower the marks required to get "5 good GCSEs" if that's the only thing that matters .

Why can't these kids leave school at 15 and do something practical and useful which they might have a chance of being good at instead of "failing"? Whatever happened to Value Added?

Can we find out the exam results of the MPs? perhaps we can close parliment on the same basis.

Of course, IF all those schools raise their pass rate, the next accusation will inevitably be about exams being 'easier' as a response to increased pass levels. So there really is no winning for schools faced with criticism from all fronts.

lol if they shut down our school, where would the children go? it's the only one in the town. (apart from the massive newly built religious school )

Ha! Someone noticed me!

FWIW I failed to get maths o'level and only managed a level 2 CSE. At a 'good' private school. But I went on to get 2 A's and a B at A level, got a degree and have had a career in an (arguably) numerate industry. And am frequently taken aback by my younger colleauges with GCSE/O-levels in maths who can't manage basics like working out percentages etc. My practical maths skills are infinetly better than many people I know.

infinitely....but perhaps my spelling leaves something to be desired. Ahem.

I don't think they actually close it down. They sack all the staff and re open under a new staff.

Yes that's what I thought smartiejake.

It seems such a drastic measure if a school is already 'outstanding' though. The only way the 'good with outstanding elements' school that my DS#1 is going to could seriously improve it's results is to change it's intake. Bang in the middle of one of the most deprived wards in the UK. And short of moving the school a few miles I don't see how that can happen, nor would it help the pupils from that deprived ward.

Just had a good old whinge about this with the other 'middle-class' mum in our street who sends their children to the 'failing school'. They are doing exceptionally well and are very happy. Hurrah! Feel much better now.

There is a report in our local paper this week about a school in a town near me (very depriv that was in special measures in 2003. They dragged themselves out with the the good leadership of a new head and ed area)ofsted now say they are outstanding and should be a beacon for other failing schools.

They still only get 20% of kids through 5 GCSEs but have one of the highest value added scores in the county.

Wish parents would realise how much value added counts for.