‘Inadequate’ label doesn’t reflect results - Meacher

THOUSANDS of Oldham pupils are studying in schools judged inadequate or requiring improvement.

But breakdowns of assessment levels at schools show Oldham is only slightly behind the national average. According to information given to Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher, there are 2,127 pupils attending primary schools and 5,888 at secondary schools in his constituency judged inadequate or requiring improvement.

But in his Oldham West and Royton constituency, 77 per cent of pupils achieved level four or above in reading, writing and maths - compared with only 79 per cent in England.

At key stage four, 51 per cent of students achieved 5 A*-C including English and maths, compared with the national 56.8 per cent.

Mr Meacher said: “This is like a school report that says well done but could do slightly better. We are getting good marks and there have been some amazing improvements in schools in past years.

“The number of children in schools needing improvement or inadequate is large, but the results do not reflect this. These are good results; with a bit more push from everyone involved our young people could do even better. We are in the middle and almost in line with the average across the country, but we want our young people to be better than that. I will keep pressing to make sure Oldham children get resources they need.”