Agenda item

35.1     The Head of Education Inclusion and Partnerships introduced the report and highlighted the key areas of the 2024/25 attainment data. She noted a number of contextual factors, including the removal of statutory Key Stage 1 assessment and the limited control the Council has over academies, with 74% of secondary schools now in academy trusts, as well as the absence of Key Stage 4 progress data due to the lack of Key Stage 2 tests during Covid.

35.2     Early Years performance remained strong, with a target for 78% to achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD) by 2028. Phonics outcomes were slightly below national, and Key Stage 2 results showed gradual improvement across the county, and are above national in Hastings. While Reading, Writing and Maths combined for the county remained below national, the focus was on supporting pupils not yet secondary ready. Key Stage 4 attainment also remained below national averages but continued to improve; Attainment 8 was 43, equivalent to an average GCSE grade 4, and 62.9% achieved grades 9–4 in English and Maths, enabling progression to further study.

35.3     At secondary level in Hastings, improvements had been made, supported by partnership work with the Department for Education, including improved attendance (now the highest in the county) and a shared programme of improvement with local partners, including a focus on enrichment and parental engagement. The Committee heard there had been recent capital investment in alternative provision to support pupils who are permanently excluded or require short?term placements while needs are assessed, with the expectation that improvements will continue.

35.4     The Committee thanked officers for the report and welcomed progress, particularly in Hastings, and asked questions and made comments in the following areas:

• Engagement with borough colleagues: The Committee welcomed positive results for Hastings but commented that local perceptions remain mixed and suggested improved communication with Hastings Borough Council colleagues. The Director of CSD confirmed discussions were underway with borough leadership about ongoing engagement.

• Attainment 8 RAG monitoring: The Committee asked about Attainment 8 monitoring and changes in the RAG rating, commenting that it was unclear. The Director of CSD explained this reflected timing of data availability but would consider how to make reporting more nuanced.

• Drivers of low attainment: The Committee asked about factors affecting attainment (e.g., housing, employment, nutrition) and what interventions were being used. The Head of Education Inclusion and Partnerships described a strong focus on improving attendance, working closely with families to remove barriers, and ensuring vulnerable pupils are identified early and linked into Children’s Services support. The priority remained getting children into school, with inclusion and attendance teams working alongside schools as they focus on delivering the curriculum.

• Regional disparity and targeted support: The Committee asked whether regional disparities were being actively targeted and what support was being provided to lower performing areas. The Head of Education Inclusion and Partnerships described analysis of data, peer learning approaches (including pairing schools around phonics practice), and commented that the gap had narrowed compared to the previous year but hoped to address this further so that all pupils in East Sussex have a positive experience.

• Attendance: The Committee sought clarification about medical appointments within attendance figures. The Head of Education Inclusion and Partnerships explained there was national guidance on attendance coding, noting medical appointments are recorded as authorised absence; the key concern was unauthorised absence.

35.5     The Committee RESOLVED to consider the attainment results for the 2024/25 academic year and note the report.