Douglas Carswell's Blog

What can be done to raise standards in Clacton schools?

Too many schools in Clacton are in "special measures". Too many are below average.

Why?

It can't be about the money. We've seen the amount spent on local education almost double in the past decade or so.

Nor is it because of the pupils. It should make us angry whenever it is implied that low educational standards are the fault of the children. They are not.

The fact that a child might come from a home where no one reads to them must never be used as an excuse for that child not being able to read and write properly. If anything, it is all the more reason to make sure we give that child a great education.

Over the past few weeks, I've been visiting many of the local schools - good, as well as those that ought to be doing better. And I've been pondering what can be done?

First, acknowledge where there is a problem. Too often any suggestion that things were anything other than brilliant has been seen as an attack. It isn't. We need more openness and honesty.

Second, accept the need for change.

There are some great local schools, and some brilliant local teachers. We should not be afraid of learning from them.

Third, make the schools more accountable for standards. Accountability is key - and we need much, much more of it.

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