OFSTED figures: how are West Country schools performing?

Almost 60% of secondary schools in South Gloucestershire are falling below the expected standard according to OFSTED.

It comes as the educational inspector releases its annual report for 2018/19.

The report gives an overall pictures of the performance of our region's early years, schools, further education and skills.

Half of Plymouth's secondary schools were rated as 'Requires Improvement or Inadequate'.

83% of schools in the South West were judged good or outstanding. Credit: PA

What were the overall figures in the West Country?

For primary schools, 84% in the South West were judged to be 'Good orOutstanding', the same as in 2018.

For secondary schools, 70% in the South West were judged to be 'Good orOutstanding', a decline from 2018.

Which areas stand out?

Nearly 60% of secondary schools in South Gloucestershire were rated as 'Requires Improvement or Inadequate'.

50% of secondary schools in Plymouth were rated as 'Requires Improvement or Inadequate'.

In North Somerset 92% of inspected primary schools were judged Good orOutstanding' compared with 75% in Bristol.

In Torbay 100% of inspected secondary schools were judged 'Good orOutstanding'.

Credit: PA

Which schools have changed the most since the last review period?

Plymouth's primary schools had the highest rate of improvement across the region, whereas in Bath and North East Somerset and Gloucestershire the proportion of 'Good or Outstanding' schools declined by 3% compared with 2018.

North Somerset and South Gloucestershire's secondary schools had the highest rate of improvement across the region, whereas in Wiltshire the proportion of 'Good or Outstanding' schools declined by 7% compared with 2018.

What has OFSTED said about these figures?

Bradley Simmons, Ofsted Director for the South West, said he is pleased "that schools in the South West are, by and large, delivering a well thought out and demanding curriculum to their pupils.

"We are however, seeing a worrying picture with regard to modernforeign languages. Too few young people in the South West are taking aforeign language at GCSE, and the region’s entry rates have not only dropped year on year since 2015, but more steeply that the decline seen nationally. This is a concern."

What does South Gloucestershire Council say?

What are the other local figures?

Credit: Ofsted
Credit: Ofsted

What about other age groups across the West Country?

  • 97% of childminders were rated 'Good or Outstanding' (above the national figure of 95%)

  • 97% of nurseries were rated 'Good or Outstanding' (same as the national figure)

  • 82% of Further Education and Skills providers were judged 'Good or Outstanding' (close to the national figure of 81%)

Where can I find OFSTED reports for my local school?

You can find reports from inspections on OFSTED's website.