Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

School Performance 2024-25

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that presented a summary of provisional headline performance data for the academic year 2024-25 in all Key Stages for all providers across the Borough.

Primary schools continued to perform well. From September 2024, Ofsted no longer made an ‘overall effectiveness’ judgement. However, 100% of LA maintained primary schools and 97% of all primary schools had an Ofsted rating of good overall, or in all key judgements. Additionally, although only 3 schools had a current judgement of outstanding, ungraded inspections had identified a further 5 which were likely to be outstanding in all areas.

Outcomes for Stockton-on-Tees pupils in the primary sector were mostly above provisional national average for 2025. The proportion of pupils achieving the higher standards at the end of KS2 has improved in comparison with 2024 and was in line with the provisional national average in every area except writing. Although achievement in phonics was in line with the national average, it was not as strong as it had been in the past. However, there were strong improvement in reading outcomes at the end of KS2 in 2025.

Secondary outcomes were  above 2025 north east averages in all areas.  These results had been self-reported by the schools and academies themselves.

Post-16 outcomes (A*-E) continued to perform well The area where they were not above national averages was in the top scores (A* and B) which reflected the regional picture.

Stockton-on-Tees continued to see a large number of in-year transfers including families new to England. For example, 50 children joined their school during Y6 from outside the LA and 63 were new during Y1. A significant proportion of pupils who were new to the LA come from outside the English school system, although many were from neighbouring authorities. There were also a high number of transfer requests deemed ‘parental preference’ with children moving from one Stockton school to another. The mobility of the school population affects some schools more than others but should be recognised as a key factor when considering school performance.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The standards and achievements across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough be noted.

2. The strong overall performance of Stockton-on-Tees schools at both primary and secondary phases be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

N/A

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

N/A