GOL Helps London Schools Improve Faster Than the National Average

Left to Right: Peter Makeham, Liz Meek, Stephen Twigg

London Schools Minister Stephen Twigg visited Southwark, accompanied by GOL Regional Director Liz Meek and Peter Makeham from the Department for Education and Skills, to publicise the Government's Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners in September 2004.

GOL works with a range of partners to implement the Government's education and skills priorities in London, and ensures that the various Government departments responsible combine effectively to deliver improvements on the ground.   

The visit proved to be an excellent opportunity to hear views on the Government’s vision for children's services, education and training. This vision ties together a number of different strategies in an attempt to articulate seamless 'cradle to grave' education tailored to individual learning needs.

Stephen Twigg with children from Grange Primary School

The centrepiece of the day was a tour of Grange Primary School in Bermondsey and the opening of its new conference facility. A few years ago this school had the worst Key Stage 1 results in the entire country. But under the leadership of headteacher Penny Haynes performance has been turned around and results have improved dramatically, overcoming the multiple disadvantages faced by many children and families in the school's inner city catchment area.

Stephen Twigg, London Schools Minsister said:

”Our future plans for education build on our achievements in London so far. Pupils in London are now better funded than ever before, with an increase in real terms by £880 each between 1997-98 and 2004-05. London schools have risen to the challenge we set them and improved one-and-a-half times faster than the national average.

“I am proud to say as Minister for London’s Schools that Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham and Lambeth are the top five local authorities in the country for adding value – making a difference to the pupils who need it most – from Key Stage 3 to GCSE. We want to step up the pace of change to ensure that every learner, whatever their age or stage, receives a personalised education and that those who deliver education and children’s services receive the support they need.”

Penny Haynes, Headteacher at Grange Primary School said:

“I am delighted to see that the innovative work that Grange Primary School has been doing is reflected in the Government’s Five Year Strategy which highlights the importance of involving the community in the work of the school.”

For further information contact Iain McNab on 020 7217 3520