Choice is main aim of schools review (From Gazette Series)

Choice is main aim of schools review

THE headteacher of Vale of Berkeley College has said that the latest review of education in Gloucestershire will not automatically look to close small schools.

Aidan Farrell stressed the importance of diversity in secondary education, explaining that one size does not fit all.

Mr Farrell is one of two representatives of the Gloucester Association of Secondary Headteachers on the Stroud Area Review Panel.

The panel will look at and discuss information about primary and secondary schools in the Stroud District before reporting back to the Local Education Authority by the end of the year.

Mr Farrell said: "The purpose of the review is to try and maximise the choice parents and pupils have. We need to make sure that as many children as possible get the schooling they need."

As a small school, Vale of Berkeley College (which has less than 300 pupils) looks vulnerable in such a review, especially as its sixth form is being phased out following a similar review of post-16 education over a year ago.

However, Mr Farrell emphasised that smaller classes are a valuable element in diversity.

"Since last September, some 15 children have moved to Vale of Berkeley from other secondary schools because they were not coping with the size of the schools they were at.

"Almost all are doing very well here and will get a good or reasonable set of grades before they leave.

"Some of our pupils come from Gloucester, so parents are actively choosing the option of smaller schools.

"One parent recently wrote to me saying: 'The amount of support given to my son at this school is fantastic. You have given me hope for his future when I was in despair. I thank you all."

The review panel will take many issues into account when reaching their conclusion.

These include surplus places, exam results, value-added scores, level of staff pay and the value for money that the schools represent.

Mr Farrell explained that no single issue could override all the others.

"We could go down the surplus places road and end up closing schools that are good value for money, which would worsen the problem not make it better," he said.

"We must also look at what else schools do for the surrounding community.

"They should not just be open from 9am to 3pm. From next year Vale of Berkeley will run evening classes for the whole community."

He added that the review had to avoid making any rash choices.

"There does seem to be a general desire to avoid making any knee-jerk reactions," he said.

"It is not just about looking at the here and now, it has to look at what we will have in ten or 15 years time."

The next meeting of the Stroud Area Review Panel takes place at the Civic Centre in Wotton-under-Edge on Wednesday, July 6 (2pm).