EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Excellence in Cities and Education Action Zones

Excellence in Cities and Education Action Zones

Introduction

Evaluates the management and impact of two programmes, Excellence in Cities and Education Action Zones, introduced by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), to improve educational achievement and promote social inclusion in disadvantaged areas.

Problem

Research had shown that while standards were rising in England’s schools, the gap between the average performance and that of pupils in areas of social disadvantage was growing wider. Deprivation and disadvantage were closely associated with low standards, low aspirations and social isolation.

Description

This document:

assesses the effect of the EAZ and EiC programmes over a two-year period, concentrating on the main activities they have funded, based on the evidence of examination data and other performance indicators, and on the findings of inspectors;
looks separately at the effects of each programme in primary schools and in secondary schools; and
finds that the programmes are having a positive effect in schools in disadvantaged areas, but not comprehensively or consistently so.

Approach

EAZs were set up following bids from groups of schools. They were partnerships between schools, their local education authority and other local organisations. They were encouraged to be bold and creative in their use of funding and in their partnerships with business. They were also encouraged to meet the needs of the wider community by providing lifelong learning opportunities and access to ICT. EiCs were given resources to employ learning mentors for targeted pupils, to make provision for gifted and talented pupils, and to provide a learning support unit on site or access to one in a neighbouring school.

Results

Both programmes have made a difference to schools in disadvantaged areas by providing a broader range of opportunities and helping to raise confidence and self-esteem. However the EiC programme is more effective in secondary schools than EAZ. The effect of the programmes on pupils’ achievement is more variable with primary schools seeing the greatest improvement. The programmes have helped to develop co-operation and the sharing of good ideas between schools. Since the evaluation EAZs have been changed into Excellence Clusters, or zones within the EiC scheme.

Beneficiaries

The pupils at schools in disadvantaged areas.

Resources used

Each EAZ received finance of up to £1 million per year, made up of government grant and match funding. There are currently 117 EiCs throughout England and together they receive government funding of £355.3 million in 2005-2006. Schools in EiC areas are employing on average one to three learning mentors. To organise the “gifted and talented” strand of the programme all schools identify an existing teacher to co-ordinate the work of these pupils. Learning support units are employing a manager and teaching assistants.

Contact info

Office for Standards in Education
Phone: +44 20 7421 6800
geninfo@ofsted.gov.uk

Project start date

01/09/1998

Links

Office for Standards in Education Department for Education and Skills (DfES)

Excellence in Cities and Education Action Zones: management and impact (PDF, Eng, 389KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Keywords

Education