A new report on educational performance in Croydon shows the borough’s schools are making good progress in delivering good or outstanding teaching and overall provision.
The report to Croydon’s full Cabinet committee outlines how Ofsted now rates 90% of primary schools in the borough as either good or outstanding. In 2012 only 61% of primary schools were judged by OFSTED to have these ratings.
Schools in the borough have seen test and exam scores improve across the board, including an 8% improvement in early years’ foundation results. At all stages the more able pupils are challenged to achieve to the best of their abilities and this has resulted in GCSE figures showing a 2% rise for pupils achieving more than five passes at A*-C in subjects including English and mathematics. This performance is higher than the national average and also better than those other council areas which are most similar to Croydon.
This improvement has taken place at the same time as Croydon has faced challenges with a growing school-age population. At Key Stage 2 Croydon now has over 1,700 more children than it did five years ago. This is the equivalent of 58 additional classes.
Challenging targets and regular monitoring and reviews are set by the council for Croydon’s most vulnerable schools, and head teachers are held to account if their investment of pupil premium grant is not seen to be having an effect on results.
Behaviour in schools and persistent absences are also a focus and successful work with schools has kept Croydon’s level of exclusion within the best 25% nationally.
“The achievements of Croydon’s schools and pupils deserve to be recognised, so I’m delighted that this report shines such a good light on the achievements of the last few years. I’m determined to ensure we maintain our direction and continue to both challenge and support schools to provide the best possible education for local young people.”
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning
