A TOP grammar school has been thrown into chaos after Ofsted inspectors placed it into special measures.
Stretford Grammar School is the first grammar school in the country to be judged to be failing its pupils.
The school's leadership and management were severely criticised in a damning report by Ofsted inspectors.
Damning
The inspectors were also highly critical of the school's leadership and management in a damning report.
It comes just weeks after the school's headteacher, Peter Cookson, resigned following an extended period of sick leave.
'Inadequate'
The inspectors also said the school's overall effectiveness was `inadequate' and it is failing to give pupils an `acceptable standard of education'.
Children's minister Bev Hughes, the MP for Stretford and Urmston, has now slammed the `shocking failure' of the school's management.
Ms Hughes said: "This is the first grammar school in the country to go into special measures and the Conservative council is trying to brush this under the carpet and pretend this is not happening."
'Shocking'
"This is a shocking indictment of the management of this grammar school. The governing body and the headteacher at the time have badly let down children and parents at this school.
"The governing body is charged with not being sufficiently involved in the management of the school to the detriment of staff, pupils and parents."
Stretford Grammar School, which has 755 pupils, was formed from the merger of Stretford Grammar School for Girls and Stretford Grammar School for Boys in 1986.
The actor Ian McShane and the singer Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits are counted among former pupils.
Specialist
It became a specialist science college in 2005 and a foundation school at the start of last year.
In March last year it set up what was believed to be the country's first grammar school federation with Altrincham Grammar School for Girls.
But Stretford Grammar was at the centre of a row last October after parents claimed the pass mark for its entrance exam was set too high.
'Responsibility'
Ms Hughes said governors at the school should `take responsibility for this shocking failure', and said `urgent arrangements' need to be made to ensure the governing body is more `robust'.
The Ofsted report says teaching and learning at the school in Granby Road is satisfactory, but says achievements and standards, the curriculum, and leadership and management are all inadequate.
The report says that student numbers had declined which had also had an impact on the budget; the school has found it difficult to replace skills lost through redundancies; and managers have been diverted away from their own duties due to difficulties in recruiting new staff to teach specialist subjects.
Inspectors also said that despite excellent results in English, drama and music, “too much teaching remains lacklustre and is not good enough to ensure all students achieve as well as they should.”
David Wilson, the headteacher of Sale Grammar School, has been temporarily placed in charge until a new head is appointed permanently.
Chris Pratt, Trafford's director of children and young people's services, said the school's move into special measure was `regrettable', but it had been taken to ensure improvements are made `as quickly as possible'.
'Extremely good'
"It is important to recognise that examination results at the school are extremely good," he said.
He added: "The Ofsted report confirms that, while there were problems identified at the school, it continues to have many positive aspects.
"These include the good personal development and well-being of pupils, the positive attitudes found among students, good attendance and behaviour, the feeling of safety and security in the school, positive pupil-teacher relationships, high staff morale and the good teaching and learning in the sixth form.
"All of this gives significant encouragement for the future."
He added: "Acting headteacher David Wilson has been at the school since last month. Everyone involved remains confident his leadership, together with the commitment and belief of everyone at the school, will see the necessary improvements made quickly."
Graham Brady, the Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West, has defended the achievements of Trafford's schools.
He said he understood steps were being taken to get Stretford Grammar back on track.
Concerns
News of the Ofsted report comes two years after he voiced concerns over signs that the Tories were shifting away from its traditional support for selective education.
He said: "Ofsted has identified some serious failings in the way in which Stretford Grammar School is being run and this has led to the current difficulties.
"I understand that steps are being taken urgently to get the school back to where it should be as one of the leading secondary schools in Manchester.
"The results achieved by grammar and high schools in Trafford are possibly the best in England and this has been the case for many years.
"But this will be even better when all of the borough's schools are achieving as they should be."
Last year the school was one of the top performing schools in Trafford, with 95 per cent of 15-year-olds achieving five A* to C grades at GCSE, although the figure was down from 98 per cent in 2006.
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TraffordWatch, Altrincham (23/03/2009 at 08:11)
There was then some shenanigins on the political side of things that resulted in the politician in charge of education being sacked over some sort of moral stance he took against the leader.
From that day on the political controllers took their eye off the ball, and effectively allowed Stretford Grammar to fail quite as spectatularly as it has. Not one to normally agree with Ms Hughes, but in this instance this is a 'shocking failure' and one that the politicians really need to be held to account for.
Pete McNally (23/03/2009 at 09:52)
Mark, South Manchester (23/03/2009 at 10:01)
Voter (23/03/2009 at 10:16)
Hamish Macbeth, Whitefield (23/03/2009 at 10:54)
Bev Hughes should get her own house in order before having a "pop" at Trafford Council.
Bev Hughes and her team would do away with Grammar Schools - except of course for their own children. Nothings too good for the Champagne Socialist Government and their groupies... The hypocricy of ZaNuLabour knows no bounds.
Knowall, stretford end (23/03/2009 at 11:14)
Peregrine Spanswick (23/03/2009 at 13:20)
Copey, Stretford (23/03/2009 at 13:24)
Politically damaged, Castlefield (23/03/2009 at 14:29)
Lauren Johnstone (23/03/2009 at 17:07)
This school has provided many students with a stable education and a good start in life - as can clearly be seen by the results we repeatedly achieve. As a female, high-achieving science student, do I feel that I have been let down by the school? No. I'm predicted 3 A's, have an offer from St.Andrews University and feel that I have as much understanding in my lessons as any of the boys. Our current head girl has been accepted into Oxford University and she is also predicted A's in her science subjects. As far as I am aware nearly all of the female scientists are high achievers and are confident in their subjects. As are the male students, for that matter.
In addition to this, the report surely contradicts itself. The school's results are nearly 'double' the national average in KS4 and is placed in the top 20% of the country for it's ALP's scores and nearly all students gaining admission to their first-choice university in KS5 and yet 'good progress is not being made'. How is this possible? For a school that has pretty much reached the height of academic achievement, surely progress can only continue on in a steady stream rather than climb higher? Because when it comes down to it, results are what matter the most at this age - and everything else comes after.
There is a feeling amongst the students that surely, Special Measures is a step too far. Is some new policy designed to please the paper pushers and outsiders REALLY going to affect our day-to-day classroom experience? We doubt it and quite frankly are annoyed at the bad press this has given to our academic reputations. Yes, we understand that the school has its flaws and yes, we are aware that the management system was rubbish - but we love our school and are still very proud to say as much.
On behalf of the 6th Form Student Body.
stretford girl (23/03/2009 at 17:21)
However, at our school, we leave with both.
Sam Hodkin, Stretford (23/03/2009 at 17:52)
sgshero, sgs (23/03/2009 at 18:30)
Stretford Born and Bred, Stretford (23/03/2009 at 19:22)
Emily, Stretford, Manchester (23/03/2009 at 20:21)
Despite comments that only 'small groups of students' achieve well, from my experience of the last 7 years, many students perform well, reflected in that in 2008, 92% of GCSE candidates gained 5 A*-C grades. If 92% is a small group, i don't know what more people are expecting! In my Y13 class of 2008, the grade average was 2 A's and a B for each student, with some achieving 4 A's and one even gaining 6 A's in the 6 A levels they sat. Again, if the 'average' student can gain AAB at A level, then this is not a small group doing well, it is a large proportion.
A high proportion of students also went on to university this year, many studying Sciences, Mathematics and Medicine at Universities such as Manchester, Warwick, Oxford and Cambridge. The pupils are leaving 6th Form with the skills and academic success required to go on to prestigious courses. It therefore comes as a surprise to see that OFSTED deem the school to be 'inadequate' at providing a 'suitable education'. What more do they want on top of good results and students obtaining places at their chosen universities?
As for girls underachieving, I agree with Lauren. Many of the 6th Formers and Lower School students are shining examples of the hard work both they and their teachers put in every day. I have female friends who at GCSE gained all A's and A*'s, myself included, and we were not a minority of girls doing well. And of the tiny 8% GCSE under achievers, they were not all girls. If the girls grades are the same as the boys, maybe this is more a sign that finally boys are reaching their potential? This is something that the Education Authorities have been pushing for a long time, and not necessarily a sign that girls are under performing.
The fact that the school is in special measures is a massive over reaction to the short comings of the senior management. Though frankly, it cannot be in as bad a situation as some like to make out if students are still gaining good grades and pursuing a successful future at University or other higher education. Many Y11 students continue at 6th Form or move on to local colleges to follow A level courses and a range of vocational courses, all of which require some academic success at school.
The staff have continued to give their full support to all students who want it. People need to continue to support the school and understand that despite what some may say, it still provides an excellent education and is a warm and friendly community.
I know that i wouldn't be where I am today without the continued support from my teachers throughout my school career at Stretford Grammar. Every one of my teachers worked hard for me, at the same time as helping my fellow students achieve their aspirations too. I cannot fault the staff on my experience at the school, and surely, what the pupils gain at the end of it is the most important thing.
Is It Me? (23/03/2009 at 20:48)
Hamish Macbeth, Whitefield (23/03/2009 at 22:10)
I bet the pupils there get a better education than most schools in Greater Manchester.
The more I read about this matter on other blogs and websites - the more I realise it stinks of political games and shenanigans...
Stretford Grammar School are being used as a political pawn.
I wouldn't trust Ed Balls and Bev Hughes with deciding my childrens education - just like I wouldn't trust Jacqui Smith and Tony McNulty with their expenses....
Past, present and, hopefully, future SGS parent., Stretford (24/03/2009 at 12:34)
sgshero, sgs (24/03/2009 at 13:16)
D P (24/03/2009 at 13:47)
There are some excellent teachers at the school, and this unfairly reflects upon them, as well as the vast majority of students who are clearly working hard to achieve. As with any place, there are always a select few who aren't interested in their education - i'm sure there are students there now who are only interested in causing disruption to others, just like there was in my day. Sadly it tends to be the likes of these and their parents who shout the loudest about how the school are failing them.
Lauren Johnstone's view is one which pretty much reflects my time at the school, and i'm by no means ones of the super-students who was offered a place at Oxbridge, just someone who feels they were offered every chance at a good education and personal development in my time at SGS. The comments from Beverley Hughes are completely what i'd expect from her - someone who has paid little attention to the school during her tenure (something I know to be true from someone close to the workings of this school, and education in Trafford), despite the fact it is a major education establishment in her constituency. Given the mess Labour made of education in Trafford following their tenure in control of the council, it shouldn't really be a surprise she kept quiet until now, when she's got a great opportunity for pathetic political point scoring.
Emily, Stretford, Manchester (24/03/2009 at 14:01)
Fixit, Delft, Netherlands (24/03/2009 at 14:35)
I was fortunate enough to attend a Public School and the media like nothing more than when a 'private' establishment is deemed to under perform!
The entire 'lefty one size education fits all' brigade comes out on mass to berate and cheer when this happens.
They should be more concerned about reporting the huge numbers of Comprehensives that fail, those establishments which churn out the great unwashed, uneducated and ignorant. When Comprehensive is ranked highly by OFSTED the banners are out, fan fares are sounded and its one in the eye for 'toffs' with a private education.
I had the opportunity to visit many countries with the school, go skiing, canoeing, climbing and the sports facilities were awesome. Even the fat wheezy kids were made to partake in sports and it made them a better, more rounded individual. Compare that to the one football pitch at the local comp and a day trip to Blackpool once a year! Not to mention discouraging competitive sports because we don’t want to upset 'little Chardonnay' because she is a porker!
Truth hurts, and here is a truth that many won’t like. "A school tie gets you further in life than any exam results"! A friend of mine is a career Army Officer and his school tie provided offers from several renown regiments when he first joined (regardless of his relatively poor academic achievements).
Private education provides rounded individuals; there are not just exam factories like a local Comprehensive. Who cares what OFSTED says!
To all parents reading this, sell a kidney if you must but get your kids in private education. If anything, they will not be ‘mouth breathers’ and they will know how to use a knife and fork when they leave!
Concerned12, stretford, machester (24/03/2009 at 17:11)
I am perplexed as to why the high grades in exam results achieved by most of the pupils do not hold sway anymore! Perhaps the pupils should have been consulted and had their say before writing this report.
'Throw mud at a wall and some of it will stick' - that won't help the pupils or the school.
The people/bodies who have seized on the school and the report for their own public ends should be ashamed!
Naomi Ryder (25/03/2009 at 17:29)
I have several serious issues with the report itself, as it is full of inconsistencies and contradictions, and in several parts the comments made by the inspectors do not correlate with the number "scores" given. Even ignoring my issues with the report, I simply do not see how Stretford Grammar can possibly be classed as a "failing" school. How can a school where 95% of GCSE students get 5 A*-C's be (and I quote) "failing to give its students an acceptable standard of education"? I understand that exam results are not the only important factor that should be considered when judging a school but surely they shouldn't be ignored in the way that they have been, as they are still a good test of how well students are being taught and are progressing? I will be the first to admit that there are some problems, as there are in any school, but in my opinion they have been blown out of all proportion. In fact, many of the main issues raised in the report arose as a direct result of having no headteacher at the time of inspection, and actions have already been taken that have gone some way to addressing this problem.
In response to the comments of 'sgshero', if only the most capable students are pushed, and those students not expected to do as well are written off and forgotten about, why is it that we as a sixth form student body are continually pushed by the teachers to knuckle down and prepare for our approaching exams? The teachers are doing all they can to encourage us to do this, but if a few students choose not to work hard and do not get the A's they are capable of, they can only blame themselves, not the school. We are continually pushed and challenged at Stretford Grammar and this is one of the reasons we all achieve so highly.
I would also like to say that the media furore that has resulted from this report is only making the situation more difficult for students, parents and teachers alike, and could easily result in making the situation at the school worse as the biased, one-sided reporting could easily result in falling student intake if prospective parents and students do not get the other side of things, which is that Stretford Grammar is a good school with good teaching and a good atmosphere. It is not a "failing" school and I think that this 'jumping on the bandwagon' by politicians, the media and other bodies as they scramble to criticise the school is unfair and unjustified, especially as it is based on a report which I find to be misleading and unfair.
The support shown by students, both past and present only goes to support my argument as we have a better idea than anyone of what our school is like and would not support it if it was as awful as it is being made out to be.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my 7 years at Stretford Grammar, and will leave as a well-rounded citizen, ready to move on to the next stage of my student career.
mark t, manchester (26/03/2009 at 15:22)
Let's hope they sort it out at Stretford Grammar. After all, clever kids deserve a good education too you know.