Case study 2Six underperforming schools: The GAP project

The schools: Six schools of various sizes in one local authority. GCSE results around the national average.

The problem: Low value added from key stage 2-4.

The solution: The GAP project. Aim of significantly improving achievement at GCSE. The ‘sandwich-style’ programme we devised included school visits by the Project Leader diagnostic reviews of the quality of current strategies. Guidance on how to raise achievement including use of: tracking data; feedback from student voice; intervention strategies; and improved leadership. Collaborative working.

The results: Results improved significantly. After two years 5A*-C improved by an average of 17%. 5A*-C including English and maths also improved, by an average of 12%.