Wiltshire Council still failing poor students

Published on Wednesday 26th January 2011 by Jon Hubbard

Despite some great performances from schools, the education system in Wiltshire continues to cheat the poorest in society.

Liberal Democrat Leader on Wiltshire Council Cllr Jon Hubbard commented: “Again this year the children of Wiltshire have outperformed many of their peers, both in local counties, and nationally, and the Liberal Democrats congratulate their hard work. Unfortunately the Conservative-led Wiltshire Council has not focused enough of it’s efforts on the poorest in society. Those gap in attainment between those pupils qualifying for Free School Meals and other pupils has increased this year, by another 7% at Key Stage 4. We can’t continue to fail these children.”

Cllr Helen Osborn, Lib Dem lead member for Children’s Services, commented: “The results of Wiltshire students have yet again improved, and I congratulate all of those talented young people who have worked so hard for these achievements.

“However I am really concerned at the increasing achievement gap between those on Free School Meals and other young people. We need to enhance our support and input to enable  these young people  to maximise their potential and ensure that every child in Wiltshire has an equal opportunity to succeed.

“I will be asking for an explanation for this at the Children’s Services Select Committee this week and will ask for urgent action to be taken to close the gap”