The Board received the presentation on the latest position on KS4 and KS5.

5+A*-C inc. English and Maths

Overall results have risen steadily since 2008.  The LA continues to perform significantly above the national average, as it has done since 2008.

Gender

The gap has widened significantly and the rise in overall results is largely due to improvement in girls’ results; boys’ results remain unchanged since 2010.

FSM

The gap has narrowed steadily from 2008 to 2012 but has widened significantly in 2013.  This was the result of the non-FSM improving and the non-FSM result falling (for the first time since 2008).

3 Levels Progress

Overall: the LA result is broadly unchanged, but still significantly higher than national, despite significant increase in the national result.

Gender: Girls continue to significantly outperform boys, especially in English (national trend) the Gap has narrowed significantly in English, but has widened in Maths.

FSM: The gap is essentially unchanged in English, but has widened significantly in maths, largely due to deterioration in performance of FSM pupils.

4 Levels Progress

Overall: LA results in English up slightly though a smaller rise than national.  However, the LA figure remains significantly above the national trend.

The LA result in Maths rose faster than national, and remains significantly above national.

Gender: Girls continue to significantly outperform boys.  Gap narrowed significantly in English but widened significantly in maths.

FSM: Gap widened slightly in English but significantly in maths.

KS5

Graphs were displayed showing data for A level and equivalent qualifications.

Total points per student remain significantly lower than national. 

Girls continue to do significantly better than boys; non-FSM continues to do significantly better than FSM (FSM status at KS4).

2+A*-B

LA similar to national though there was a dip in 2013.

Girls significantly outperform boys.

Non-FSM students significantly outperform those on FSM.

2+ A* - E

As with 2+A*-B but the gaps are much narrower.

D. Gornik asked if there was any evidence if the number of children in FSM had increased as a result of the economic decline.  It was advised that there was no information available as the FSM indicators had changed.  It was also advised that claiming FSM is not automatic and parents are canvassed by the schools to register their claim.

Cllr Smith asked if there is a difference between claims in primary and secondary areas.  The information was not readily available but could be obtained.  Cllr Clements asked if there was any information available regarding the decline in FSM in secondary schools.  K. Podmore advised that many post 16 yr olds who are eligible for FSM do not take up FSM as they would prefer to have the support in other areas, such as bus passes.

J. Hassall asked for the number in the cohort and J. Webster offered the services of Public Health to help with any analysis of data/statistics.

J Hassall commented that there is a national drive to look at the poorer performance that children and young people correlate with the Ofsted Judgements of Leadership and Management. However, Cllr Smith commented that there are pockets of excellence in attainment in areas of poverty in the Borough.  K. Podmore added that the expectation of high attainment should be the norm and the same across the Board regardless of area.

K. Podmore added that the importance of considering value added regarding the levels of progress that a young person makes at school.  P. Sheridan added that in Wirral individual children are identified and supported to make the accelerated progress to achieve well.

J. Hassall advised the group of her recent attendance at the Regional Directors of Children’s Services and the presentation by OFSTED.