ASCL comment on EPI's high performing schools report

Commenting on the report by the Education Policy Institute, ‘Access to high performing schools in England’, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We need to remind ourselves that nearly 80% of England’s secondary schools are now judged good or outstanding by Ofsted, and that there are many good and outstanding schools in every region. That said, there is clearly more work to be done to raise standards further, particularly in schools and in areas facing the greatest challenges, to ensure every child has access to an excellent education wherever they live.

“The answer of course is pretty simple. Firstly, sufficient funding to enable schools to offer a rigorous and enriching curriculum for every child. Secondly, strategies to recruit and then retain more high quality teachers. Thirdly, accountability measures that treat schools fairly and thereby encourage the best leaders and teachers to commit longer-term to the communities who need them most.”