Councillors back strategy to further raise education standards

Councillors have given their backing to a new Education Excellence Strategy which aims to drive further improvements in Wolverhampton's schools and early years' settings.

The strategy for 2024-2027 replaces the inaugural Education Excellence Strategy 2021-24, which has helped bring about improved outcomes for children and young people in the city over the last three years – with 92% of Wolverhampton's schools now rated either Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Written in collaboration with leaders from schools and other settings, the updated strategy will enable the council to monitor the performance of schools and ensure that, where improvements are necessary, these are carried out effectively.

It also highlights the importance of good governance, the training and development of school staff and closer collaboration between schools across the city.

The revised strategy was approved by members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet last week.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "We believe that all families in Wolverhampton want their children to succeed in education. We believe they want an education system that values and celebrates standards, and where no child is left behind as they learn and achieve through a broad and balanced curriculum.

"Our drive for educational excellence is resolute and the refreshed Education Excellence Strategy is our offer to securing continued improvement in partnership with all our schools and settings, whether they are maintained by the local authority or are run by academy trust.

"It builds on the success of the 2021-2024 strategy, which has already brought about markedly improved effectiveness in schools and settings. “We are incredibly proud that 92% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding, which is well above the regional and national average, and that nine in 10 pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.

“The new strategy is also underpinned by a commitment to promote and advance equality of access and opportunity across all settings and to ensure no child or young person is left behind, enabling the best possible outcomes for all.

"The revisions in our updated strategy have come about as a result of discussions with school and setting leaders and consultation with corporate services, whose contributions have been invaluable.

"The next three years will no doubt bring further changes to the education system. But whatever these may be, I know the schools and settings themselves, with our support, will continue to strive for education excellence so that our children and young people are successful."