London needs to have world-class education for all
IN 2004 the opening of Mossbourne Academy marked a turning point in the London Borough of Hackney. Built on the site of the former Hackney Downs school (described by the then government as the “worst school in Britain”), Mossbourne became a symbol of academic excellence in one of the most deprived parts of London. Under inspirational leadership, its exam results are now among the best in the country and it boasts an ethos to rival that of any school.
For many people, Mossbourne is just one example of how education in London has improved since 2003. It is true that London schools have improved at a faster rate than in the rest of the country, with over sixty per cent of children getting 5 A*-C GCSEs including English and maths, compared to only 58 per cent nationally. Poorer children also do better in the capital than anywhere else in England, despite higher levels of deprivation and more pupil mobility.
But are London schools good enough? Do they match the expectations of a commercially and culturally vibrant global city? Mossbourne shows what can happen when good schools buck the trend, but the riots last year and high youth unemployment rates must remind us of the consequences of wasted potential.
In November last year, the Mayor launched an education inquiry and asked a panel of experts and outstanding headteachers to look at whether other London schools are making the grade and what can be done to help them improve.
The panel’s first report has just been published and it shows that, while there have been improvements, 28,000 young people in London still left state school last year without 5 A*-C GCSEs including English and maths; the minimum they need to get decent jobs or go on to further study. Only 18 per cent of London school children achieved the “English baccalaureate”, which requires a C grade or better across a core of academic subjects: English, maths, history or geography, the sciences and a language. That suggests a number of state schools have dropped tough subjects like triple science and languages under pressure of league table performance. While London schools are doing better than the rest of the country, they are not keeping up with cities like Singapore and Hong Kong.
One third of London families do not get their first choice of school and increasing numbers are opting out altogether and going private. This cannot be right in a city famed for its cultural, scientific and intellectual achievements. Our state school system needs to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of the new century’s opportunities and challenges.
This isn’t about blaming teachers. It is about recognising that having an honest assessment of London’s schools is the first step in making them better. We need more state schools like Mossbourne if London is going to retain its status as a world city.
Munira Mirza is the adviser to the Mayor of London for youth and culture.
http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/young-people/education-training/mayors-education-inquiry