FAVOURABLE REPORT BOOSTS COLBAYNS

Ofsted Praises Progress at Clacton Comprehensive

Colchester, UK: May 21st, 2004 ­ Colbayns High School has received a boost from OFSTED inspectors who have commended the school on substantial improvements made since the previous inspection conducted in 2002.

In its report published today, OSTED praises the leadership of the Head Teacher Nick Pavitt and his team in bringing about a change of culture that is raising the expectations of students, teachers and parents. As well as a 'sharper focus on raising students' achievement' the inspectors recognised the good support and guidance offered by the innovative pastoral system, adding that 'students are involved well, with their views being sought and valued.'

Commenting on the effectiveness of the new structures introduced for year teams, and the imaginative deployment of support staff in pastoral roles, the report notes that 'the recently introduced Edison Project provides an effective framework for the many other initiatives with which the school is involved and has had a positive impact on students' behaviour.'

'I am enormously proud of my staff and what has been achieved here ­ it is great news for the young people and families of Clacton,' said Head Teacher Nick Pavitt. 'As a school team we agreed to adopt the Edison Schools UK approach and have embraced wholeheartedly the model and accompanying ethos which resonated so strongly with our own beliefs and intentions. Essex LEA has given us very active support in this new and unique partnership. We have worked closely with Edison to implement the programme, and I am absolutely convinced that working with the Edison team gave us the sharp focus, the consistent support and challenge, the additional tools and the strategies that we needed to help make the difference. Colbayns is in the process of renaissance, supported strongly by the LEA and Edison, and we are determined to re-design and transform the school. I am delighted that we were the first UK school to seize on this great opportunity to drive up achievement and serve our students better.'

'This is very encouraging news for everyone after our first six months of partnership,' said Kevin Crossley, Edison UK's Achievement Adviser for Colbayns. 'The staff and governors at Colbayns are wholeheartedly committed to providing a high-quality education for its students and while we're still in the early stages of the programme, the report is a great endorsement of the direction we're moving in.'

Colbayns and Edison began a partnership in September 2003, aimed at boosting the school's efforts to bring about sustained improvement in achievement, ethos and the all-round quality of its provision for the students. In consultation with Edison, Colbayns has introduced innovative methods and techniques based on Edison's wide experience and research into best learning practices. The package provided by Edison includes continuing on-site consultancy, professional development, and technology for diagnosing and assisting the learning process.

Edison Schools UK works with partner schools through a process of consultancy, coaching and innovation, to provide a complete package of services and technologies to assist with raising achievement. With its research-based school design, diagnostic assessment systems, continuous professional development, and integrated use of technology, Edison provides an all-encompassing school improvement programme that tackles every aspect of a school's operation in pursuit of a more effective and satisfying learning experience. Edison advisers provide training and professional development to the school teaching staff and continuous support and consultancy throughout the programme.