The latest Key Stage 4 results show that over half the schools in Leeds have met targets set through a government challenge – three years early.
In 2007, the government’s National Challenge required 14 Leeds schools to ensure at least 30 per cent of their students achieved five or more GCSEs - including English and maths - by 2011.
But recent results show that Bruntcliffe, Carr Manor, Cockburn, David Young Academy, Farnley Park, John Smeaton, Rodillian and West Leeds have reached that target early - and Education Leeds is determined to ensure these schools remain above that target and the remaining six schools do so by the 2011 deadline.
Education Leeds hopes the project will bring over £900,000 of extra funding into the city in 2009 to help with the improvements while National Challenge advisers have been appointed by the government to work with the schools to help raise standards. They will provide a total of 170 days of specialist advisor support.
As part of the National Challenge, additional money to establish academies and support the building of new schools may also be available.
Leeds City Council is currently undertaking statutory consultation regarding Intake High School in Bramley and South Leeds High School in Beeston which could result in both schools becoming academies from September 2009.
Later this term, the council will also consider proposals that ensure Parklands Girls High School, and the Central Leeds Learning Federation (City of Leeds and Primrose), reach their national challenge targets by 2011.
The 14 National Challenge schools in Leeds include: Bruntcliffe, Cockburn, Carr Manor, Central Leeds Learning Federation (City of Leeds, Primrose High), David Young Academy, Farnley Park, Intake High, John Smeaton, Parklands, Rodillian, South Leeds High, Wortley and West Leeds.