Reports reveal school performance and need for expansion

Reports presented at last night's meeting of the children's services overview and scrutiny panel outlined good performance and expansion requirements for many schools in the Royal Borough.

The 10-year school expansion programme report forecast the need for new primary, junior and first school places required in the next two years.

A requirement for substantial numbers of new secondary, middle and upper school places was identified for 2016.

The review of standards and quality of education in Royal Borough schools for the 2011-12 academic year painted a positive picture overall.

Schools in the borough generally performed well, with attainment levels above the national average.

However, Michael Rosen, Interim Head of Education and Childcare Services said the report masked variations in performance between schools and groups of children.

He reaffirmed the borough's commitment to ensuring children receive the support they need and the highest standards are met. The authority aim for all schools to be judged by OFSTED as good or better.

Where this is not the case, processes for Schools Causing Concern will be implemented to achieve a rapid improvement in performance

There is one academy in this group, but Mr Rosen did not reveal its identity.