Wide variation in teaching across Welsh schools, chief inspector warns

Welsh schools are showing signs of improvement but still face wide variation in teaching quality across the country, according to the new chief schools inspector in Wales.

In his first report, Meilyr Rowlands, head of Estyn, has said that the amount of excellence in Welsh schools is growing, but a number of schools are ‘not keeping up with increasing expectations’.

Rowlands criticised a ‘marked contrast’ between provision in the best and weakest schools across the country, noting that there had been an increase in both the proportion of schools found to be excellent and schools found to be unsatisfactory.

Despite this increased variation, the report also found that the standards of basic literacy and numeracy had improved, with the gap in performance between deprived and better-off pupils also beginning to close.

Rowlands said: “One of the most noticeable features of the Welsh education system over recent years has been its variability. Once again this year, there is a marked contrast between the quality of teaching and learning, particularly in our best education providers and in the weakest.

“This variability is not due primarily to socio-economic factors as some of our best providers are in relatively deprived areas.

“There are examples of good and excellent practice in all the sectors we inspect, where learners make good progress and leaders work in partnership with staff, parents and the broader community to establish an aspirational culture where education is respected and valued. The challenge is to make sure that all providers share these practices and learn from them.”

Responding to the report, a spokeswoman for the Welsh government said: “We very much welcome Estyn’s annual report and the information it provides on standards and performance in our schools and training providers. Education Minister Huw Lewis will now consider the report in detail before responding formally in plenary next month.

“Improving standards of teaching and leadership in our schools and training providers remains a key Welsh government priority.

“It is right at the heart of both our new deal for the education workforce and our leadership strategy which we are in the process of refreshing – and it is more important than ever as we work to develop a new curriculum for Wales.”