Sir, – Your columnist Jacky Jones is wrong when she writes that education centres of excellence are not in disadvantaged areas (HEALTHplus, October 23rd). An independent, evaluative report to the Department of Education and Skills in 2011 on disadvantaged schools showed significantly higher test scores in reading and mathematics. Evaluation data showed a very high uptake of literacy and numeracy initiatives.
These findings point to improved outcomes, despite factors which impact negatively on assessment outcomes, such as increased poverty levels, more inclusive testing, greater percentages of pupils whose home language is not English and increased class sizes.
The schools serving the most disadvantaged communities are achieving more literacy and numeracy “outcomes”. That is their key role. Others will have to play their part too if society is to tackle poorer health, social exclusion and criminality. – Yours, etc,