To receive an update on the Updates on current draft key stage results

Clive Haines Schools Leadership Development Manager at RBWM Introduced the forum to the Updates on current draft key stage results. Councilor Mark Wilson asked Clive Hanes, how the data for the draft key stage was acquired. Clive Haines explained that the participating schools out in their own data to the local authority, he also highlighted that all the data apart from A Levels was publicly available.

Clive Haines gave an overview of the national picture, stating that:

•       In 2023, 30% of pupils at the end of key stage 2 were considered disadvantaged.

•       Attainment in reading has fallen compared to 2022 for both disadvantaged pupils and other pupils.

•       Attainment at the expected standard fell from 62% in 2022 to 60% in 2023 for disadvantaged pupils and from 80% to 78% for other pupils.

Clive Haines gave an update on key stage 2 results from the schools. Key stage 2 was the combined reading, writing and maths. The figures for RBWM demonstrated that despite falling after the Covid pandemic, RBWM figures remained above the national average both in 2022 and 2023. With RBWM averaging two percent above the national average, Clive Haines pointed out that this was in line with the pre pandemic results from 2019.

Clive Haines highlighted that with RBWM disadvantaged students in Key stage 2, their reading and writing had slipped from pre pandemic levels. While the disparity between the national average in 2019 had been closed, RBWM was still below the national average although as Clive Haines pointed out the gap had been closed.

Key stage one data broke down into reading, writing and maths. Reading above the national average, writing below the national and maths above the national average. Clive Haines concluded that RBWM was still on track to meets its obligations. For key stage one with disadvantaged students, that RBWM was below the national average when compared to 2022, however reading, writing and maths all went up in 2023. Clive Haines concluded that this showed the right path was being taken, despite the results being below the national average.

For phonics RBWM was above the national average by one percent, Clive Haines pointed out that all schools had seen a drop off in phonics. Clive Haines stated that the results show that the RBWM is roughly were it should be. For disadvantaged pupils, phonics where below the national average. However, Clive Haines stated that because of the pandemic RBWM, was on track with where it needed to be. 

For early years development, Clive Haines stated that RBWM has in line with national, he stated this was a good result because of the aftereffects of the pandemic. He also highlighted that early year development was important for the growth and development of the child. For disadvantaged students during early year development no national data is recorded, for RBWM data could not be compared to any other data set. However, RBWM had increased from forty two percent in 2022, to sixty three percent in 2023. Clive Haines stated that this was a positive development.

For GCSE Clive Haines also highlighted the percentage of students achieving a grade 4 and above. He highlighted that compared to 2019 the results where 3 percent better than they were. He also told the meeting that A Level results remined the same across the board, which was a positive development.

The Chair Cllr A. Tisi asked Clive Haines, about Key stage 1 stats asking how RBWM are going to keep track of performance in Windsor for the starting schools if all data is self-reported. Clive Haines stated it was difficult, but that it was not a requirement for schools to give their results to the local authority. Claire Murray the initial teacher training scheme director and link advisor and joint lead for disadvantaged pupils, stated that the RBWM was working with the schools to help improve their own testing. Helen Daniels Pupil premium and disadvantaged students stated that schools could use optional sats which they would continue to share with RBWM. 

The Chair asked what gender differences if any were picked up in the results, Clive Haines stated he did not have the results to hand. Cllr Wilson asked whether there where any unseen results not reflected in the data, Clive Haines stated that reading had a massive effect on the results and that he had anticipated a drop in phonics in 2022.  Claire Murray said that with the results in phonics being above national, it showed complete fidelity and that was a trend likely to continue. 

Cllr Wilson also asked what guidance for catch up was being given to schools? Helen Daniels stated that it was a huge focus and that it was effective.