Schools will learn the lessons

Ofsted’s damning report on Palmer’s College is the latest worry – coming just weeks after a six-month probe, paid for by Thurrock Council, which revealed a series of educational failings across the borough.

Experts spoke then of a lack of trust and tensions between headteachers and the council, and a borough lacking aspiration, which does not make for comfortable reading.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Let me share some statistics with you. An impressive 94 per cent of our schools are rated good, or outstanding, in respect of pupils’ behaviour by Ofsted.

And almost three-quarters of Thurrock’s schools are either good, or outstanding, in respect of leadership and management.

Now, the findings at Palmer’s are grim, but principal Mark Vinall isn’t burying his head in the sand.

He spoke openly to the Gazette in the aftermath of the report and, once the dust settles, we look forward to hearing how he intends to put things right.

It is also worth noting Thurrock Council paid £25,000 for the six-month assessment I mentioned earlier, which was never going to look favourably on the authority.

Now to the future. This transparent, upfront and honest approach shown by the council and Mr Vinall is to be applauded.

It must carry on as the authorities endeavour to turn things around.

Tweet me @GaryPearson13

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