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Keele Survey 2008

In late November 2008, as part of our ambition to continuously raise standards, we commissioned our second Keele University survey. This is an independent survey which seeks to gather the views of students and parents on current standards at Ilkley Grammar School. Respondents were randomly selected and their replies remain anonymous. Comparisons are drawn with schools nationally and with the outcomes from our previous survey and areas for improvement are identified. In total there were 190 responses from parents. Many thanks to all of you who took the time to complete the survey.

Once again we were very pleased with outcomes of this process. We are especially pleased that the majority of your responses are well above the Keele averages and have improved further our outcomes from 2006. However, you have also identified some areas in which we can improve. The following report highlights the main findings and includes the actions we are immediately taking to improve the identified issues.

The figures in brackets indicate the percentage achieved by schools nationally in the Keele University database.

Parents' Survey

Standards

95%(88%) would recommend to friends.
81% (47%) believe school is better than most schools
97% (73%) agree it is achieving high educational standards.

Behaviour

86%(66%) standards of behaviour are high
87%(86%) school rules are reasonable and fair
57%(39% policy on exclusions is about right

The school Environment

91%(81%) see environment as safe and secure
45%(41%) good access to the school for pupils with disabilities.
87%(85%) believe school is well equipped with computers
86(77%) school is well furnished and resourced
79%(70%) sufficient books and equipment

Curriculum Provision

94%(94%) think good range of subjects offered
74%(71%) say wide range of extra-curricular activities available.
55%(65%) agree opportunities for extra study before school, lunch time and after school
77%(77%) ample opportunity for sports
72%(74%) ample opportunity for music and drama

Actions:

The issue of opportunities for extra study before school, lunch time and after school is one that we are continually trying to improve. In addition to the supervised ICT and Library access (available all lunch and until 4.00pm) there are a wide variety of lunchtime activities that take place. Unfortunately, due to site constraints and the lack of specialised dining facilities many of our students spend their lunch time queuing for their lunch and therefore cannot benefit from these activities. Our Building Schools for the Future plans have areas for supervised personal study as a key feature.

Communication

85% (84%) of parents feel they have enough information about the school
40%(42%) say made aware of teaching methods at the school
61%(58%) made aware of the pastoral system
63%(68%) say they have enough information about the curriculum.
63%(70%) enough about how progress is measured

Actions:

This is an area we are working hard to improve and we have introduced a number of new initiatives

Parents' Voice evenings will be held each half-term. These will cover a particular theme identified as an issue by parents. They will consist of a presentation from senior staff and then an opportunity for questions and feedback.

The reporting system - 26th March
Connect 3 - the new thinking skills course in year 7 - 21st May
SEAL - Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning - 7th July

We have purchased a system called SchoolComms. This will allow us to text and/or email parents directly with information. Please make sure when requested over the next half-term your contact details (mobiles and email addresses) are accurate.
Our developing Learning Platform has parental access. This will allow you to see in real time assessment, attendance and a wide variety of other information for your son or daughter. This will be trialled during the Summer term

We will continue to provide information through our termly newsletter and updates via the website. At each Parents' Evening a questionnaire is provided. Please take the time to give us your feedback. We look forward to seeing you at the Parents' Voice evenings or the 'Take a Break' events which happen at 10.00 am on the last Friday of each half-term.