ASCL responds to EPI report on school groups

Responding to the Education Policy Institute's benchmarking tool comparing different types of school groups, and an accompanying report on the findings, Pepe Di'Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“It is really useful to have this range of information available about something which is so important, and we hope it serves as a pointer to the government to improve the information it provides to parents and communities.

“Existing performance tables are focused largely on exam results and – while these are important – they are only one feature of what a school or trust does. In particular, the current system tends to penalise schools with higher numbers of disadvantaged children and those with additional needs. We agree with the EPI that the accountability and inspection system should be reviewed to better recognise the work of schools regardless of context.”