Specialist schools do boost attainment
Specialist schools do boost their pupils’ attainment – but not necessarily in the subject they are meant to specialise in.
Schools inspectorate Ofsted has concluded that specialist schools have generally seen improvements across the curriculum and dynamic leadership has helped give the schools a better “sense of purpose”.
Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell believes that this increased direction is the reason behind improvements at the schools.
And, he concluded that schools nearby specialists do not appear to have suffered any adverse affects – a key concern of the scheme’s opponents. There was also praise for schools’ links with the local communities, such as language specialists offering classes for adults in the evening.
But, many of the specialist school did miss targets in their own specialist area, with music and drama results a particular concern.
Ofsted also warned of “unsatisfactory” teaching for gifted pupils in a fifth of technology, language and arts colleges.
Mr Bell said: “Being a specialist school makes a difference. Working to declared targets, dynamic leadership, a renewed sense of purpose, targeted use of funding and being a contributor to an optimistic network of like-minded schools, all contribute to a climate for improvement and drive forward change.
“Specialist schools must ensure that the drive for improvement is maintained. The variations in performance between specialist schools must be addressed to ensure that all types of specialist schools are consistently of the same high standard in all areas of teaching and learning.”
Schools seeking specialist status are required to raise a set amount of money themselves and then present detailed plans on how they will raise standards in their set subject area. If their bid is successful, they will then receive extra money from the Government. About two-thirds of English secondary schools now have specialist status.
Tim Collins, Shadow Education Secretary, said that the Government needed set schools free from central control. He said that the specialist school initiative is ‘floundering’
Mr Collins commented: “This is yet another Government flagship initiative that appears to be floundering. As always ministers are good at talking about standards, discipline and choice but are helpless to do anything to improve them.
“Only the Conservatives have the policies that will set schools free from central and local government bureaucracy so that head teachers and their professional colleagues become the driving force for stronger classroom discipline, higher exam attainment and improved school pride.”
