25/11/11 The Kent Challenge - A capital idea For Kent’s schools

A scheme that helped to improve standards in London schools has inspired a similar programme in Kent.

The Kent Challenge – a partnership between Kent County Council, schools, central government, and other key players – is helping encourage and support schools to achieve the highest possible standards.

Speaking at an education committee meeting this week, Cabinet Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Mike Whiting, said: “We were impressed by the transformation that was achieved in London as part of the London Challenge. We want the Kent Challenge to assist those schools where we have identified issues around performance and underachievement.”

Some of the aims and objectives of the Kent Challenge are to improve outcomes for all pupils in Kent schools at a faster rate than is currently occurring, ensure that Kent schools exceed the national averages at all Key Stages, establish excellent leadership between networks of schools, and creating bespoke school improvement programmes tailored to meet local needs.

Kent Challenge will also make a significant contribution to the Government’s aims to raise the educational achievement of all children and young people and narrow the gap in educational achievement between children from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers.

Mr Whiting continued: “We have put in place a team of expert Kent Challenge advisers. Through experienced teaching professionals we are providing support to enhance teaching and learning and drive up standards.”

Since September 2010, schools have been supported by KCC’s district standards and school improvement teams – both primary and secondary – and during the past year the level of achievement reached by 11-year-olds has risen. However, the council acknowledges that more needs to be done. Through the introduction of the Kent Challenge, focused support will help build on the provisional 2011 Key Stage 2 results where it is needed most.

Mike Whiting added: “Kent County Council is committed to improving education for the children and young people of Kent. There is much to celebrate in Kent schools, with evidence of outstanding leadership and classroom practice. We also know that performance in some schools does not meet the high standards that we expect and which the families and children of Kent deserve.

“We share the Secretary of State’s concern that every day children spend in classrooms where they are not learning properly is another day that they are held back from achieving their full potential. Some schools face specific challenges. We accept that part of our leadership role is to help them overcome these, as well as creating an environment in which high performing schools can improve further.”

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