Kent schools smash national level

As the new school year kicks off, Kent families can be reassured that standards in the county’s schools continue to improve and are performing better than the national level.

The percentage of Kent schools now rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted stands at 89%, compared with 84% nationally. In August 2015 82% were good or outstanding, having risen consistently from 75% in 2014, 71% in 2013, 60% in 2012 and 59% in 2011.

The current situation is that 85% of secondary schools, 90% of Primary schools, 98% of Special schools and 86% of Pupil Referral Units are judged to be good or outstanding. Also, 95% of Early Years settings are good or outstanding.

Patrick Leeson, KCC’s Corporate Director of Education, said the excellent results highlighted the hard work and dedication of all involved in education in Kent and the determination to make sure every school a child attends is Good or Outstanding.

He said: “I am delighted the most recent Ofsted inspection judgments show that even more schools are continuing to deliver better education in Kent. Improving the education, welfare, safety and life chances of children and young people is the most important thing we do, and these continued improvements will make a difference for many years to come.”

Roger Gough, the Cabinet Member for Education, added: “Ofsted is continually raising the bar in terms of standards in schools and Kent schools have risen to this challenge. We are continually looking for improvements and have set an ambitious target of at least 90% of primary and secondary schools to be judged good or outstanding in the next year or two.

“Our vision is that every child and young person should go to a good or outstanding school, have access to the best teaching, and benefit from schools and other providers working in partnership with each other to share the best practice as they continue to improve.