GCSE results below average

Medway is amongst the worst performing in the South East region under Medway Tory LEA

The failure in political leadership in the education department is once again in the spotlight as the GCSE result league tables show that Medway schools continue to suffer under the management of this lacklustre Conservative controlled Local Education Authority

One school, Bishop of Rochester Academy, which sits in a neighbouring ward to Luton & Wayfield, and whose catchment is in my ward now sits in the top three worst performing schools in the UK, with only 16% achieving five good GCSEs

Medway is also below average with only 55.7% achieving five good GCSEs when compared to an average of 58.2%.

There are many good schools in Medway and they should be allowed full autonomy from the hand of Cllr Wicks. They do not want, nor desire, the attention of the Conservative cabinet.

It is however an abject and utter disgrace that despite all the complaints by residents in Luton & Wayfield and Chatham Central that their children are suffering a substandard education and have done so for such a long period of time.

We also continue to see poor results at other schools and the public expect better.

The Tory in charge, Cllr Les Wicks, has now overseen GCSE league-table results below the national average, with several schools amongst the worst in the UK and yet there is no apology on any Conservative website.

He has lost the confidence of the public over the botched 11+ test and the Primary school re-organisation fiasco's. He should do the honourable thing and stand aside for someone with an intellectual grasp for education and that can inject new leadership.

Not my words; but from his own Conservative colleagues.

It is time the administration relentlessly focus its attention on the failing schools from Hundred of Hoo, Robert Napier and Bishop of Rochester. Focused resource and political attention on the schools which need to do better.

In addition, would have at least expected a detailed statement today on the School results with an acceptance that they were not good enough. Yet there was nothing accept one casual remark to the press saying the results were good; below average performance is not good!

It is almost as if the league table results are not of any importance.

This school, and the others which have worsened under the Tories, have the responsibility to educate hundreds of young people to a good standard and yet the administration have put out no public statement as to how they will improve. It is a lack of direction which worries parents.

It is simply unacceptable to have a number of our schools amongst the worst in the UK. Medway is not a poor area and has significant areas of affluence; it is the lack of political leadership which has led us to worsening SATS and now below average GCSE results in many of our schools.

Cllr Les Wicks should go and new dynamism injected immediately