About the National Challenge
The National Challenge was launched by the
Secretary of State on 10 June 2008. It is a programme of
support to secure higher standards in all secondary schools so
that, by 2011, at least 30 per cent of pupils in every school will
gain five or more GCSEs at A*-C, including both English and
mathematics.
Many of the schools below the 30 per cent
threshold are good and improving, with strong and determined
leadership. They are not failing schools but it is believed
that schools below the floor target will benefit from individual
support that helps them improve opportunities for their pupils.
The Department for Children, Schools and
Families (DCSF) have high ambitions and believe all children need
the skills and qualifications to ensure they have good life chances
hence 30 per cent is a minimum aspiration.
According to the 2007 performance tables,
there were 638 secondary schools in England below this floor
target.
This is not a school closure programme; it is
about school improvement and giving schools extra support and
resources to deliver better outcomes for children and young
people.
The DCSF will provide universal support for
schools below the 30 per cent threshold, including a National
Challenge Adviser for each one.
There is funding of £400m to 2011 for National
Challenge.
Northumberland schools have been allocated
£74,000 towards the National Challenge initiative.
Schools within the National Challenge Programme
Northumberland has two schools that fall into
the National Challenge programme. In 2007, 28% pupils at
Blyth Community College achieved 5+ A*-C GCSEs, including
English and Maths, while 22% pupils at Hirst High
School achieved 5+ A*-C GCSEs, including English and
Maths. Results for 2008 show that both schools have
improved markedly, with Blyth Community College achieving
above the 30% threshold and both are working closely with their
National Challenge Advisor and the Local Authority to make sure
that they move above and stay above the threshold in future.
£27,000 of the allocation will be devolved directly
to Hirst High School, while Blyth Community College will
receive £22,000 in direct funding. The remainder of the
allocation will be retained by the Local Authority to fund the
National Challenge Adviser support days.
Hirst High School is in the Hirst
Partnership (pyramid) in Ashington. All schools within the
partnership will close in August 2009 and will then re-open as the
3-18, all age The Northumberland Church of England Academy in
September 2009.
NORTHUMBERLAND'S NATIONAL CHALLENGE PLAN - AN OVERVIEW
BLYTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Type of support the school is receiving:
- 10 Days Support from a National Challenge Adviser.
- Planning support from specialist consultants in core subjects
(Maths, English, Science
and Teaching & Learning)
- Headteacher Mentor in place to support new Headteacher.
- Supported networking carried out between Headteacher and other
new Headteachers.
- Funding for an outreach worker to encourage better
attendance
How we will measure improvements:
- Good practice and shared planning between those schools with
persistent absence issues are ongoing to improve from a standard of
satisfactory to good.
- Improved pupil tracking, target setting and accountability,
monitored by restructured senior team.
- Achievement of targets at GCSE.
Additional support drawn from:
- Exclusions Officer (Education Other Than at
School Service)
- Behaviour Education and Support Team
Service
- Parenting Support Partner
- Educational Psychologist
- Education Welfare Officer
HIRST HIGH SCHOOL
Type of support the school is receiving
- 15 Days support from a National
Challenge Adviser
- Planning support from specialist consultants
in core subjects (Maths, English, Science), Teaching &
Learning and Assessment for Learning.
- Training for Middle Leaders in curriculum
planning, implementation and monitoring.
- Funded KS3 Literacy Project Supported
networking carried out between Headteacher and other new
Headteachers.
- Additional support drawn from Educational
Psychologist and Education Welfare Officer.
- Funding for an outreach worker to encourage
better attendance.
- How we will measure improvements
- Assessment for Learning (AfL)
development group established. Staff trained as AfL
coaches.
- Percentage of school and exam attendance
increased.
- Percentage of Persistent Absence
decreased.
- Achievement of targets at GCSE.
Click here to download the full plan.
For more general information on the National
Challenge programme, click here to link
to the DCSF website:
