Excellence in cities: Managing associated initiatives to raise standards

Ofsted

The Excellence in Cities (EIC) initiative launched by the government in 1999 has proved successful in the schools inspected.

According to an Ofsted report published in November, there has been a steady improvement in results, with an increase in the number of pupils in EiC partnership schools achieving five or more A-C grade GSCEs or their equivalent.

Success in raising standards and improving provision in schools is clearly linked to effective leadership and management. A strong management structure, clear, shared objectives, and good use of additional funding, are key factors in the success of the EiC programme. Without them, the approach to improvement is somewhat more fragmented, the report finds.

The EiC initiative works alongside the Leadership Incentive Grant, which has helped schools to implement initiatives more quickly. The aim of tackling underachievement in schools also includes setting up learning support units and increasing provision for gifted and talented pupils, which has been popular with pupils.

Generally offering good accommodation and resources, City Learning Centres have also been created and most of these are developing effective links with schools. On the whole, local authorities have been found to provide good support for schools wishing to  take part in the EiC initiative.uring the last academic year.