Challenge is on to improve school results

3:13pm Friday 9th May 2008

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SCHOOLS in Bury stand to gain from a £50 million pot over the next three years to improve standards.

The Greater Manchester Challenge aims to achieve a sharp drop in under-performing schools, more outstanding schools and better results for disadvantaged children.

It was launched this week by the Government, which wants to see all schools have more than 30 per cent of their pupils achieving five A*-C grades at GCSE, including English and maths, by 2011.

The money will help recruit extra teachers in core subjects, and more support for pupils in the run-up to exams including refresher classes. Ministers want parents to become more involved in their child's education, along with action to tackle truancy.

Beverley Hughes, children and young people's minister, said this was a once in a generation' opportunity to tackle the cycle of deprivation and low achievement.

"Education here is improving," she said. "The proportion of pupils getting five good GCSEs has increased by 19 per cent, and 97 of our schools and colleges have been judged outstanding by Ofsted. But it is not improving fast enough. There are 43 schools that currently fail to meet the target of 30 per cent of pupils achieving five good GCSEs including English and maths - that is more than 35,000 children and young people. That is not good enough."

She added: "Every child from every background deserves the chance to achieve as much as they can, and the Challenge is for every one of us - children and young people, parents, teachers, local authorities, the wider community and government - to ensure that this once-in-a-generation opportunity means they get that chance."

Generating pride in pupils and schools is an important part of the challenge. One early event is The Student Awards for secondary schools. Students can enter one of six categories - ICT, drama, creative writing, science, art and design and music - for the chance to win money can't buy' experiences provided by award sponsors. Prizes include a day in a recording studio with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and a day out at the Globe Theatre.

The launch was held at the Lowry Gallery in Salford, where pupils' artwork - a jigsaw to demonstrate the diversity of the region - was displayed. It included the work of pupils from St Monica's High in Prestwich and Christ Church Primary in Walshaw.