Agenda item

•           Present final results:

-           Welsh Government National Tests

-           Foundation Phase

-           KS2

-           KS3

-           Provisional KS4 and KS5

-           Specific groups – FSM/non FSM and ALN pupil results

•           Present Quarter 2 education framework measures

Context:

We received the report from the Data Analyst, Policy and Performance in order to provide Members with the latest data showing educational attainment information they need to hold services to account.

Key Issues:

Some data, such as key stage 4 and 5 results were still provisional and were included at this early stage to ensure that Members had access to timely information at the earliest possible opportunity but the information may be subject to change.

The dashboard shown at appendix one brought together key indicators for attendance, exclusion, attainment and use of resources.  This would enable Members to see, at a glance, the progress being made towards improving educational attainment, one of the Council’s four stated priorities. Dashboards for all directorates available to elected members throughout the year via The Hub.

The reports contained a wealth of information enabling Members to drill down from authority level data to figures for specific learner groups such as those with additional learning needs and those eligible for free school meals.

The summary report made comparisons back to 2011/12 which was the academic year just prior to the last full Estyn inspection. Data for the intervening years is included within the appendices. Over the last four years, there had been a notable improvement in headline indicators. For example more than 90% of pupils now gain the expected level or better across the core areas of learning in Foundation Phase and English/Welsh, mathematics and science in Key Stages 2 and 3.

The value of this report is that it enables members to look beyond those high level measures to some of the detail that sits underneath. The key messages from those reports were summarised to Members.

Member Scrutiny:

Members were keen to note the considerable achievement demonstrated by the figures, showing the fruits of the hard work of pupils, teachers and all associated with our schools.

There were concerns that performance at Key Stage 5 was disappointing and questions were raised if there were problems identified at this stage.  In response the Challenge Advisor, EAS agreed with the point and explained that appendix b highlighted helpful points.  It was thought that the reduction of pass rate was in relation to a reduction in the size of cohort and entry policies rather than a significant decline.  The pass rate had actually increased from 1.99% A Levels achieved last year to 2.29% this year.

We heard from the Cabinet Member that a meeting was due to be held that week with Head Teachers and Chairs of Governors to discuss outcomes with schools and feedback would be provided to the Committee.

A Member suggested that a separate chart for vocational courses could avoid reducing figures.  We were informed that the level 3 threshold currently included both and the measure was under review with Welsh Government, with a broader basket of measures coming in.  EAS were investigating the setting up of a system for schools to set targets for their pupils, to ensure pupils were in the right provision and A-Level balance.

With regards to vocational courses, there was an EAS post-16 team who would provide advice to schools about policy changes, and training and support on new qualifications.

The average point score was lower than the Wales average, and could be contributed to schools entry policies, which needed to meet the needs of the community.

Members questioned if there were any areas of concern not apparent from the report.  In response the Head of Achievement and Attainment explained that the results were positive and therefore trends were pleasing. There was a small concern with the foundation phase, as other authorities were catching up with MCC and therefore needed to move on further.  Performance at Key Stages 2 and 3 was relatively strong.  Key Stage 4 was definitely moving in the right direction.  Welsh as a second language was variable from year to year and important to ensure all schools were performing equally.  Reasoning results were an area of concern and we needed to be able to work with schools to develop further.

Members would like to see further information providing explanations as to why we hadn’t achieved the results expected.  The Challenge Advisor, EAS explained that reports of that nature had been provided but Estyn had suggested authorities were being defensive.  Provision of a separate report was considered appropriate

We were informed there were no indicators that children were disadvantaged by pupils starting schools following their 4^th birthday rather than before.  Monmouthshire were ranked 2^nd in Wales in the foundation phase. 

A Member raised a question regarding the gender gap being narrowed and we heard that both boys and girls were performing above the all Wales average.

We heard that Monmouthshire were seeing gains at expected level +1, and there was already a high performance level at that target.   Compared to other Authorities we were in line or above average.

Recommendations:

Members were recommended to use this report to scrutinise key areas of educational attainment, one of the council’s four priorities, and challenge any underperformance.