Education standards continue to improve across Wales
27 January 2009
Education standards in Wales are improving, as is the quality of teaching in Wales. These key findings are highlighted by the Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales.
Responding to the annual report 2007-2008 by the education inspectorate Estyn,
Cllr Peter Fox (Monmouthshire), WLGA Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning said:
“Today’s report is testament to Welsh councils’ commitment to putting the educational needs of children and young people within their communities first. It highlights a number of positives, in particular the significant improvements in the standards of teaching lessons in both primary and secondary schools.”
“This year’s exam results also showed another excellent year for Welsh GSCE and A Level pass rates. The results demonstrate the abilities of Welsh pupils and the commitment and contribution of our education professionals, both within schools and local authorities, to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people. ”
“However, local authorities are committed to improving even further which requires some difficult decisions to be made around school re-organisation. Indeed, there are no quick wins to school reorganisation. Choosing to close a school cannot be a rushed decision. Local authorities, in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, follow a clear process for securing the best outcome for children and young people in their local area and which puts their educational needs first. This process is set by law and involves extensive consultation with schools and the local communities affected.”
“Education is one of the biggest service areas in local government and is responsible for shaping the futures of children and young people. This report is important because it acknowledges the good work of local government and schools to improve their educational standards but equally challenges all partners in the education community to improve their standards even further and to take bold decisions where they are needed. By investing in children and young people, we are investing in Wales’ future. They deserve the best standard of education we can give them and this report confirms that local government remains best placed to deliver exactly that.”
Ends
Copies of the 2006-2007 Annual report by Estyn are available at www.estyn.gov.uk