Liverpool tops OFSTED class

LIVERPOOL is the only major core English city to have all of its schools given a clean bill of health by government education inspectors.

For the first time since Ofsted reports were introduced, 20 years ago, Liverpool has none of its 167 schools classed as “inadequate”. Indeed 77 percent of schools in the city – 130 – are now classed as either “good” or “outstanding”.

'For a city the size of Liverpool,
with all the challenges that
deprivation levels bring, to have
over three quarters of its schools
classed as good or outstanding
is just fantastic' - Tim Warren,
Liverpool Schools Service

Liverpool City Council made the announcement by pointing out that it is a far cry from 2001, when 25 schools were judged to have either serious weaknesses or be in special measures. The education service, it says, was on the brink of being privatised because it was failing children.

The number of poorly performing schools has been steadily declining ever since, and now the three primary schools which were previously judged to be inadequate - Roscoe in Clubmoor, Pinehurst in Anfield and Heygreen in Wavertree - have been re-inspected and judged as rapidly improving.

Tim Warren, assistant director for the Liverpool Schools Service, said: “This is an incredible achievement and is testament to the extremely strong and positive relationship between schools, teaching staff, governing bodies and the local authority in driving up standards and giving children the best possible start in life.

“For a city the size of Liverpool, with all the challenges that deprivation levels bring, to have over three quarters of its schools classed as good or outstanding is just fantastic.”

Support provided when a school is placed in a category includes putting additional governors on the board, regularly reviewing recommendations made by Ofsted and sharing best practice from other schools across the city.

Pinehurst, pictured, has leapt up from being in “special measures” to “good” - only the second time this has ever happened in Liverpool.

Head teacher Stephanie Tasker said: “The whole school is so proud and delighted that our hard work and effort has been recognised by the inspectors.

“It really has been a team effort involving pupils, parents and carers, our governors and staff.

 “Two of the big successes have been increased attendance and a relentless focus on making sure our children enjoy school and achieve their potential.”