08 January 2020
First Tower School has been independently reviewed under the Jersey Schools Review Framework, commissioned by the department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills.
A team of six reviewers visited the school between 26 and 28 November.
The review team comprised of experienced off-Island education consultants, supported by colleagues from the department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) and local schools.
The review, which will see each school assessed every three years, aims to evaluate: that pupils are in a safe, nurturing environment; the behaviour and personal development of pupils; the standards of teaching, learning and achievement; and the effectiveness of the schools' leadership. The plan is for all schools to be reviewed by December 2022.
The report can be reviewed in full at JSRF Report of First Tower School.
Commenting on the report, First Tower School Head Teacher Lyn Linton said: “We welcome this independent report. The recommendations made in the report reflect a number of areas that we are already working hard to improve upon, and we acknowledge that improvements must be rapid. As a new senior leadership team, we are encouraged that the reviewers recognised that we have acted quickly to gain a clear and accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school.
“I am confident that we, in close partnership with CYPES, will be able to ensure progress is made in our school. We have every expectation of success and will work in co-operation with staff, children and parents to ensure that we provide the best education for the school community.”
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “I welcome this independent review, which reflects the Government’s commitment to putting children first by raising standards and achievement through the progression of our pupils and supporting the valuable work of our staff.
“Parents, carers, students, staff, and all Islanders, will be able to read the report findings reflecting both the excellent work going on in our classrooms and the ways in which our schools can improve and be even better.”
Further Information about the Jersey Schools Review Framework is available online.
The Jersey Schools Review Framework was piloted across Government schools from 2016 to 2019. The framework has been independently evaluated by a leading academic, who has published school and system-wide reviews in the UK and internationally, including for the OECD and for the National College of Education.
Each assessment is undertaken by an independent external lead reviewer, experienced in conducting reviews in other jurisdictions, as well as a Senior Adviser from the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) and two or more senior school leaders currently working in Jersey schools. The review team will speak to pupils, consult parents, meet with and survey staff, look at pupils’ work, observe lessons and review school data.
Following each review, the school, parents and CYPES will receive a short report of the findings which will be available on the Jersey Schools Review Framework webpage, where parents and carers can watch videos and read factsheets in English, Polish and Portuguese to find out more about the process.
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