Ongoing changes at schools that missed progress targets

RUNCORN high schools missing a Government GCSEs progress targets defended performances in the wider context of their circumstances.

The Grange, St Chad’s Catholic And Church Of England High, and Sandymoor School all missed the target of a minimum pupil progress score of -0.5, with each school scoring -0.63 ,-0.51 and -1.1 respectively.

The Liverpool Echo reported Halton was among the five worst performing boroughs in the country.

All three Runcorn schools that missed the target have all had recent and ongoing major changes.

The Grange has been graded as ‘requires improvement’ but has had a new headteacher following the departure of David Stanley.

St Chad’s, placed in special measures in 2014, has also installed a new headteacher.

Sandymoor School, a free school, opened in 2012 and is not due to have a full year sitting their GCSEs until this summer and also allows brighter pupils in younger years to take GCSE exams early.

Emma Simpson, Sandymoor School principal, said a straight comparison with other schools was not possible because pupils who took their exams had joined part way through their secondary education.

She added DfE guidance states free school cohorts remain too small to allow ‘robust comparison’.

Mrs Simpson said: “In 2017, we have another small group of pupils who sit their exams.

“This will be the first group of pupils where some of them started with us in Year 7.

“However, a third of these pupils joined us after GCSEs began.

“This year we have 21 pupils in year 11. Of this year group, four have already achieved A* in GCSE maths.”

Janette Vincent, The Grange headteacher, said: “Last year we celebrated some outstanding individual GCSE result success stories at The Grange.

“More Year 11 learners are leaving The Grange with the key maths, English and science GCSEs than ever before.

“We are working very closely with parents to secure the best outcomes for children.”

The Weekly News approached St Chad’s for comment.