The Education of Children

In the following pages we provide information on a range of indicators around the education of children in Angus. For each indicator we provide not only data but also a short explanation of our performance.

Numbers can only tell us so much about performance sp every year we also publish a range of other things, such as news releases, web-pages and committee reports that might give you a better picture of the services we provide and the level of service that is delivered.

More information on education in Angus can be found in the following:

Schools/Education web-pages

Lifelong Learning committee reports

Forfar Community Campus Project web-page

Brechin Community Campus Project web-page

Education Department Annual Performance Report 2012/2013

The average number of working days per employee lost through sickness absence for Teachers (SPI)
Unfortunately in 2012/13 sickness absence increased to 6.3 days per teacher from 6.08 the year before. This is an increase on the last two years and meant we missed our target of 5.9 days. We still managed to be ahead of the 2012/13 Scottish median of 6.62 days per teacher.
Sickness absence can be caused by many factors from stress to particularly bad outbreaks of cold, flu and other illnesses.
More rigorous and focussed absence management procedures are being implemented in all schools and a Personnel Adviser with a specific remit for sickness absence management has been employed to support schools in this area..
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / 7.34 / Blank / 7.30
2 / 2010/11 / 5.93 / 6.10 / 6.50
3 / 2011/12 / 6.08 / 6.00 / 6.34
4 / 2012/13 / 6.30 / 5.90 / 6.62
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / 5.90 / Blank
% of working days lost through sickness absence for teachers (KPI)
There has been a slight increase in sickness absence over the past three years from 3.31% in 2010/11 to 3.52% in 2012/13 although this is still better than the target of 3.6%. A more ambitious target of 3.5% has been set for next year in light of this. We don’t have benchmark figures for other Scottish councils for this indicator.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / 4.00% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010/11 / 3.31% / 3.80% / Blank
3 / 2011/12 / 3.44% / 3.60% / Blank
4 / 2012/13 / 3.52% / 3.60% / Blank
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / 3.50% / Blank
% of working days lost through sickness absence for support staff (KPI)
There has been a year on year improvement for the past two years, from 5.06% in 2009/10, to 4.76% in 2010/11 and 4.56% this year. This is an improvement of 0.2% on 2011/12 and 0.5% on 2010/11. However, this is still well above the target of 3.5%. We don’t have benchmark data for other Scottish councils for this indicator.
More rigorous and focussed absence management procedures are being implemented in all schools.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / 3.7% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010/11 / 5.06% / 3.6% / Blank
3 / 2011/12 / 4.76% / 3.5% / Blank
4 / 2012/13 / 4.56% / 3.5% / Blank
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / 3.5% / Blank
The average number of working days per support staff lost through sickness absence (KPI)
Support staff sickness absence has improved over the past two years. The 8.42 days lost per staff member in 2012/13 was 1.2 days better than 2010/11. However, this is still well above the target of 7 days. We don’t have benchmark data for Scottish councils for this indicator.
More rigorous and focussed absence management procedures are being implemented in all schools.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / 7.70 / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010/11 / 9.62 / 7.50 / Blank
3 / 2011/12 / 8.83 / 7.00 / Blank
4 / 2012/13 / 8.42 / 7.00 / Blank
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / 7.00 / Blank
Support staff turnover rate (KPI)
Support staff turnover rose in 2012/13 to 5.6% from 5.1% the year before. We don’t set a target for this indicator and we don’t have data from other councils to compare with.
There may be many reasons for staff leaving the council both positive and negative. Turnover can allow us to reduce costs without redundancies but high turnover can also suggest issues with morale.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / 8.0% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010/11 / 7.4% / 8.0% / Blank
3 / 2011/12 / 5.1% / 8.0% / Blank
4 / 2012/13 / 5.6% / Blank / Blank
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / Blank / Blank
Teacher turnover rate (KPI)
In 2012/13 teacher turnover fell to 6% from 7.2% in 2011/12. We don’t set a target for this indicator and we don’t have data from other councils to compare with.
Increases in turnover may be due to a large number of teachers retiring in a given year and low levels may show high morale.
For session 2012/2013 we have given 24 probationer teachers permanent posts bringing fresh ideas into Angus schools to complement the experience of existing teachers.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / 4.0% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010/11 / 4.9% / Blank / Blank
3 / 2011/12 / 7.2% / Blank / Blank
4 / 2012/13 / 6.0% / Blank / Blank
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / Blank / Blank
Proportion of pre-school settings and schools receiving positive inspection reports (% of Quality Standards scoring Level 3 and above) (Annual/HMIe) (KPI)
In 2012/13 80% of schools received positive inspection reports compared with 100% in 2011/12. This means we missed our 100% target. We don’t have benchmarks for other councils for inspection reports.
There were 5 schools inspected in the year with 1 of themnot receiving a positive inspection. Focussed support has been given to the school and will continue to be given.
New arrangements are in hand to establish an Attainment Team which will carry out more rigorous attainment reviews of schools to ensure improvements in attainment and greater readiness for HMI inspections.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 100% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 94% / 100% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 91% / 100% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 100% / 100% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 80% / 100% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 100% / Blank
% (3 year averages) of S4 pupils attaining English/Maths at level 3 (SOA) (KPI)
The three year averages recorded in 2013 relate to the post-appeal exam results of June 2011-13. With an increasing trend from 92% in 2007-09 to 95% in 2011-13 this figure hits our target of 95%. We haven’t provided a benchmark median (the middle value in a list) for other councils; however, in 2012 the national average was 96%.
To improve this figure further all schools have been required to implement more rigorous approaches to monitoring and tracking. This will be supported by training for school senior managers and Link Quality Improvement officers to ensure ambition and expectations are raised.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 92% / 94% / Blank
2 / 2010 / 92% / 94% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 93% / 94% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 94% / 95% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 95% / 95% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 95% / Blank
% (3 year averages) of S4 pupils attaining 5+ at level 5 (SOA) (KPI)
The three year averages recorded for 2013 relate to the post-appeal exam diet results of June 2011-13. There has been no increase in 2011-13 from 34% recorded in 2009-11, falling below the target of 36%. In 2012 the national average was 37%, although we haven’t provided a comparable benchmark median (the middle value in a list).
The results across Angus schools vary significantly. We are fully aware of the link between social disadvantage and achievement and are looking at ways to ensure we improve results for all of our young people.
More rigorous approaches to monitoring and tracking are being implemented in all schools.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 34% / 36% / Blank
2 / 2010 / 35% / 35% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 34% / 35% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 34% / 36% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 34% / 36% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 36% / Blank
% (3 year averages) of S6 pupils attaining 3+ at level 6 (SOA)
The three year averages recorded in 2013 relate to the post-appeal exam diet results of June 2011-13. The figure exceeded 2011-13 target by 2% and shows a continuing increasing trend from 30% in 2007-09 to 35% in 2011-13.
Although we haven’t included a comparable benchmark median (the middle value in a list) the 2012 Scottish average was 37%.
The results across Angus schools vary considerably. We are fully aware of the link between social disadvantage and achievement and are looking at ways to ensure we improve results for all of our pupils.
More rigorous approaches to monitoring and tracking are being implemented in all schools.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 30% / 30% / Blank
2 / 2010 / 31% / 30% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 33% / 31% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 35% / 32% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 35% / 33% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 36% / Blank
The average tariff score of the lowest attaining 20% (SOA) (KPI)
The tariff score is based on the post-appeal exam results of June each year. The score for the lowest attaining 20% of pupils continues to increase from 55 in 2010, to 65 in 2011, 68 in 2012 and 70 in 2013. Recent scores have been well above our target of 55 so we have changed our 2015 target to 70. We haven’t provided benchmark data for this indicator.
The lowest attaining pupils face a range of challenges from deprivation to additional support needs. Angus schools provide dedicated support for such pupils.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 55 / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 55 / 55 / Blank
3 / 2011 / 65 / 55 / Blank
4 / 2012 / 68 / 55 / Blank
5 / 2013 / 70 / 68 / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 69 / Blank
The gap between the tariff scores of the lowest attaining 20% and the remaining 80% (SOA) (KPI)
The tariff score is based on the post-appeal exam results of June each year. The gap between the lowest and highest attaining pupils reduced from 153 in 2010, to 145 in 2011, 138 in 2012, however, it rose very slightly to 139 in 2013. We haven’t included benchmark data for this indicator but as we have twice exceeded our target of 147 in 2011 and 2012 we have set the 2015 to 135.
Unfortunately in recent years the tariff scores of the highest attaining pupils haven’t risen. The gap is closing due to improvements for the lowest attaining pupils. We will do more in future to improve results for high attaining pupils too.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 148 / 145 / Blank
2 / 2010 / 153 / 148 / Blank
3 / 2011 / 145 / 147 / Blank
4 / 2012 / 138 / 147 / Blank
5 / 2013 / 139 / 137 / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 136 / Blank
% of P1 pupils in class sizes equal to or less than 25 (KPI)
Class sizes are measured in the annual school census which takes place each September. All (100%) of schools have achieved this target this year for the third year running. Clear guidance has been issued to all schools and this has had a positive impact.
We have recently reviewed early years provision to make sure that all children enjoy the best possible start to their school careers in P1.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 83% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 93% / 100% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 100% / 100% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 100% / 100% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 100% / 100% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 100% / Blank
% P1-P3 pupils in class sizes equal to or less than 18 (KPI)
Class sizes are measured in the annual school census which takes place each September. In 2013 20% of pupils in P1-P3 were in classes of 18 or less, this meant we met the national target of 20% but missed our local target of 23%. We don’t have benchmark data for this indicator.
The challenge we face in reducing class sizes is not only about providing more teachers but also finding spaces in school buildings some of which weren’t designed for such small classes.
Further guidance has been given to all schools and support provided to increase this % in session 2013/14.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / Blank / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 23% / Blank / Blank
3 / 2011 / 26% / Blank / Blank
4 / 2012 / 20% / 23% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 20% / 23% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 23% / Blank
% P2-P3 pupils in class sizes up to 30 (KPI)
Class sizes are measured in the annual school census which takes place each September. In 2013100% of all Angus P2-P3 pupils were in class sizes up to 30. This was a 1% increase in 2012 and met the 100% target.
We continue to provide help and support to schools to help reduce class sizes and actively manage placing requests.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / Blank / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 99% / Blank / Blank
3 / 2011 / 98% / Blank / Blank
4 / 2012 / 99% / 100% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 100% / 100% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 100% / Blank
The overall % of school leavers moving to a positive destination (SOA) (KPI)
The percentage of leavers entering a positive destination in 2013 (94.7%) is a rise of 1.2 percentage points compared to 2012. This is above the national average of 91.7%. The 2015 target has been increased to 94%.
School leaver destinations vary between the Angus schools. Destinations include higher education, further education, employment and so on. Pupils can leave at S4, S5 or S6 and decisions to leave can reflect exam results and home circumstances.
As well as working to improve exam results and the options open to pupils we’re also working hard to improve pupil aspirations and ambitions.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 87.3% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 88.3% / 90.0% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 89.0% / 90.0% / 89.0%
4 / 2012 / 93.5% / 90.0% / 90.0%
5 / 2013 / 94.7% / 93.6% / 91.7%
6 / 2014 / Blank / 93.8% / Blank
Number of bullying incidents per 1000 pupils a) Primary (KPI)
The number of bullying incidents reported in primary schools has decreased to 18 per 1000 pupils in 2012/13, from 19 per 1000 in 2011/12 but this still remains well above the target of 8 per 1000 pupils. We don’t have benchmark data for this indicator.
The number of reported incidents will continue to be monitored and schools will continue to implement strategies to combat bullying, for example, Restorative Practices and the resilience training programme ‘Bounce back’. These programmes have been well received and are making a difference to the way people are working together to resolve issues. Schools have also been supported by the School and Family Support Service who provide timely and effective interventions with pupils and families.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 13 / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 15 / 10 / Blank
3 / 2011 / 19 / 8 / Blank
4 / 2012 / 19 / Blank / Blank
5 / 2013 / 18 / Blank / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / Blank / Blank
Number of bullying incidents per 1000 pupils b) Secondary (KPI)
The overall number of incidents in secondary schools over this period was 28 per 1000 pupils. This represents a significant decrease from 34 per 1000 the previous year and has exceeded the target set. We don’t have benchmark data for this indicator.
Bullying will continue to be monitored closely and schools will continue to implement new strategies to fight it.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 34 / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 38 / 32 / Blank
3 / 2011 / 27 / 30 / Blank
4 / 2012 / 34 / Blank / Blank
5 / 2013 / 28 / Blank / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / Blank / Blank
Number of primary schools meeting 2 hour physical education targets per week (SOA) (KPI)
An audit was undertaken in June 2012, 100% of schools received at least two hours of physical education weekly, meeting the target in session 2012/2013 and an increase on 72% the previous year. We don’t have benchmark data for this indicator.
A Staff Tutor has been appointed to support schools to continue to improve the levels of quality provision in this area.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 65% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 65% / 75% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 72% / 75% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 100% / 80% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 100% / 100% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 100% / Blank
Number of secondary (S1-S4) schools meeting 2 periods physical education targets per week (KPI)
In 2013 for the second year running all (100%) of secondary schools provided 2 periods of physical education for every child in S1-S4 every week. This meant we hit our target of 100 for the third year running. We have set a target of 100% for 2014.
Not only do we help our kids keep fit by providing PE lessons we also teach them how to prepare healthy food and live healthy lives. Indeed healthy-living is taught across the curriculum.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 94% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 94% / 100% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 100% / 100% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 100% / 100% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 100% / 100% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 100% / Blank
Proportion of P6/P7 children achieving 1 hour physical activity per day (SOA) (KPI)
In 2013 93% of P6/P7 children achieved an hour of physical activity a day which was an increase on 2011 when 92% enjoyed an hour a day. We fell short of our 95% target in 2013 and we don’t have any benchmark data for other councils.
Primary schools teach health and well-being across the curriculum not just in PE. This means that Maths and English lessons are used to improve children’s understanding of healthy lifestyles. This encourages children to be active outside of school.
Data will next be collected in 2015.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 94% / 95% / Blank
2 / 2010 / 94% / 95% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 92% / 95% / Blank
4 / 2012 / Not Available / 95% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 93% / 95% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 95% / Blank
Proportion of S1/S2 children achieving 1 period physical activity per day (KPI)
The proportion of S1-S2 kids getting 1 period of physical activity a day increased from 80% in 2012 to 82% in 2013. It had reached 84% in 2010 but fell back to 80% in 2011. The target for 2013 is to hit the 84% level last seen in 2010, unfortunately we didn’t hit this target.
It is always difficult to cram in all the subjects that we want to teach our young people in the first two years of secondary school. Schools will be reminded of our target and expected to meet it in the next academic year.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 6 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009 / 82% / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010 / 84% / 82% / Blank
3 / 2011 / 80% / 82% / Blank
4 / 2012 / 80% / 84% / Blank
5 / 2013 / 82% / 84% / Blank
6 / 2014 / Blank / 84% / Blank
Cost per Primary School Pupil (LGBF)
The cost per primary pupil in Angus fell from £4,667 in 2011/12 to £4,567 in 2012/13. In 2012/13 the cost for the average Scottish council was £4,700.
This measure is part of the Local Government Benchmarking Framework first published in March 2013. We’re working with other Scottish councils to make sure we’re all measuring the same costs, to learn from each other and to improve services.
We haven’t set targets for this indicator.
Table to follow showing PI data. The table has 4 columns. First row has headings with 5 rows to follow.
ITEM / YEAR / VALUE / TARGET / BENCHMARK MEDIAN
1 / 2009/10 / Blank / Blank / Blank
2 / 2010/11 / £4,678 / Blank / £4,771
3 / 2011/12 / £4,667 / Blank / £4,773
4 / 2012/13 / £4,567 / Blank / £4,700
5 / 2013/14 / Blank / Blank / Blank

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