Agenda item

The Leader introduced the report and confirmed that Cabinet will be aware that there have been a number of significant changes to Key Stage 4 and 5 performance measures and the programmes of study that sit behind each examination in Wales. 

The Leader explained the examinations require a different skill set and knowledge than in previous years, therefore it is not appropriate to compare 2018 verified results with former years.

The Leader was pleased to report that Newport secondary schools have been well prepared for these changes and this has resulted in strong results in the Level 2 Inclusive measure, which sits at 57% compared to an all Wales average of 55.1%.  Newport ranks 8^th in Wales, which is well above its current Free School Meals position of 13^th.

Other additional successes include:

·        English A*-C which is verified at 65% for the City. This is above the all-Wales average for the second consecutive year; and

·        Maths A*-C which is verified at 65.2% which is above the all-Wales average for the first time since 2011.

These are strong results, which have required hard work, coordinated and bespoke support.

The Leader also reported on those young people in the City who did not gain the level 2 inclusive measure, but did successfully reach their potential and gain the level 1 or 2 measures by acquiring a range of GCSE qualifications or equivalent. 

The Leader expressed her congratulations to all these pupils and the expertise of the teaching staff who guided them through this challenging time.

The Key Stage 5 indicator for Wales is exceptionally broad. The Level 3 threshold definition is: ‘a volume of qualifications equivalent to 2 A Levels A*-E’.

This year 95.7% of Newport’s 732 post-16 students gained that performance measure.  Whilst this is commendable, it does not tell the story of the many young people who have been highly successful in gaining a place in their University of choice or who are now thriving in employment.  The Leader congratulated all of those young people who are taking the next important steps in their careers.

The Leader introduced the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.

The Cabinet Member reported that whilst collectively, Newport has achieved some excellent results, specific praise was warranted for two secondary schools who have accelerated their key stage 4 outcomes;

·        St Julian’s School demonstrated a 5.5% rise in the Level 2 inclusive indicator and a 4.7% increase in A*-C Maths. This is good progress.

·        Newport High School demonstrated a 10% rise in the Level 2 inclusive indicator, a 10% improvement in the level 2 indicator and a 12% improvement in A*-C English. This is excellent news.

Whilst variability in secondary school performance is a theme across Wales, these types of improvements in individual secondary schools help to reduce this issue.  The Cabinet Member congratulated the pupils, staff, governors and parents in the Newport High and St Julian’s school communities.  

Although not part of this report, this aligns to the continuing picture of inclusivity in Newport, ensuring that every young person matters.  Over the last seven years, the rate of young children not in education, employment or training (NEETS) for Year 11 has reduced by 80%.  During the last three years, Newport has moved from Local Authority ranking position 14th to 8th position and is committed to ensuring that all young people are engaged in education, employment or training.

Every set of performance outcomes require further work.  In Newport, the intention is to focus on accelerating Free School Meal outcomes and improving the new ‘Capped 9’ performance measure at Key Stage 4.  The Authority will work closely with the EAS School Improvement Service and each of Newport’s secondary schools to ensure this improvement is recognised in subsequent years. 

The Leader thanked the Cabinet Member and agreed this is absolutely a good news story since education is such a game changer for young people giving them the building blocks for the future. 

Decision:

Cabinet agreed the report.