Teaching in England sees standards rise

September 22 2009

Those teaching in England have helped to reduce the number of schools where all pupils receive five GCSEs at grade C or above, new findings claim.

Announcing an update on the progress of the National Challenge programme, schools secretary Ed Balls said the programme is on track to meet its 2011 target, with a drop of nearly 40 per cent in the number of schools below the minimum standard.

The next phase of the programme includes a focus on regional progress, Mr Balls indicated.

Plans to accelerate progress in Kent, Suffolk and Leeds will form the next phase of the programme, he suggested, noting that expert advisors may be sent in to prepare a progress review.

"Where local authorities embrace this help there can be a real turn around. This year, East Sussex and Coventry are reporting that all their National Challenge schools have gone [passed the target level]," said Mr Balls.

Earlier this week, the Department for Children, Schools and Families confirmed that teachers in England are to receive extra support to tackle bullying of those with special education needs with resources from a new information pack.

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