WMNT is creating a learning community where everyone can gain the confidence, skills and knowledge they need to achieve their potential.
A range of projects are underway which are helping to integrate education and childcare services for young children, provide social and health support to families and raise pupils’ attainment levels.
WMNT aims to boost education in West Middlesbrough by :
- providing education and childcare services for young children to support their development and education, prepare them for school and provide social and health support to families
- raising pupils’ aspirations and attainment and enabling them to become articulate, motivated and flexible so they can fulfil their potential
A lot of improvements have already been witnessed in the education field. Most notably, primary school results (Key stage 2, Level 4 and above) in West Middlesbrough have seen year on year improvements since 1999 and are now almost in line with the Middlesbrough average for English, maths and science.
In addition, the creation of three Sure Start West Middlesbrough centres is providing new facilities to boost education and training for toddlers through to adults. New family learning and health opportunities and better support to pupils at risk of exclusion are on offer at the Acorn Centre.
In line with the national picture, improvements to secondary school results have been slower but we’re beginning to see positive progress in the number of pupils achieving GCSE grades A to C. At the same time, fewer children are leaving school with no qualifications.
A review of our education strategy has led to a new focus on community learning. We’re developing projects to track pupils’ transition from school into further education, training and jobs and provide support and guidance if people experience difficulties; a bursary scheme is up and running, offering money to help students pay their way through university, and affordable access to computers and ICT facilities at home is being offered to make it easier for families to learn together.
What the Residents’ Panel said: Almost 50% of local residents think WMNT is helping to boost education standards