Sir Dexter Hutt Finishes at Central Technology College

Almost three years ago today, Gloucestershire County Council took the bold and imaginative decision to appoint an external school improvement partner to work with Central Technology College.

Central had been reprieved from closure following the May 2005 council elections but was in need of rapid improvement. The new school improvement partner started life in January 2006 with a contract to the end of August this year. It was led by Sir Dexter Hutt, executive head of the Birmingham-based Ninestiles Federation.

Under Sir Dexter’s leadership Ninestiles had already been responsible for two schools in Birmingham that subsequently became the most improved in the city in 2003 and 2004 respectively. But could the same rapid success be achieved working with a school that was 60 miles away? Sir Dexter agreed to write a series of articles for The Citizen, tracking Central’s progress over the two and a half years of the contract. The contract finishes at the end of this month. This is his final report.

WATCHING the Olympics over the last two weeks has been a roller- coaster of emotion.

It is impossible not to get involved, knowing the dedication and commitment of the competitors – and then seeing their joy when their talent and sheer hard work is rewarded with a medal.

So let me take this final opportunity to recognise the talent and hard work of the staff and students of Central Technology College over the last two and a half years – and to celebrate their many achievements since we started work together in January 2006. Highlights include:

Central being the most improved secondary school in the county in August 2006 with the five or more A* to C pass rate up from 24% to 49%. This year it has increased to 56%.

An Ofsted inspection in May 2007 with inspectors reporting that “It is now a good school. Central Technology College has been on a remarkable journey which has transformed virtually all aspects of the school…standards are rising rapidly in all years…the good behaviour of students is reflected in calm, well ordered lessons and play areas”.

Central’s quality of teaching and learning going from strength to strength – Central is now one of the very few schools in the county with three of its teachers approved as Advanced Skills Teachers.

Being visited by schools from the county and from other parts of the country, and by research academics from universities keen to analyse the school improvement process

Becoming increasingly popular with parents. Gloucester City has falling rolls overall but the number of students choosing Central as they leave their primary school has virtually doubled over the last two years – from 53 in September 2006 to over 100 who will be joining us this September.

And last week Central moved to not just meet, but significantly exceed the new target for secondary schools which has been set by the Government. This is the percentage of students achieving five or more A* to C passes including maths and English. All schools nationally have been set a minimum target of 30% – Central’s result has improved from 23% to 40%. This is likely to result in Central in this respect being not just the most improved school in the county this year but almost certainly one of the most improved in the country.

So, as our contract ends, let me thank Central’s chairwoman of governors, Vanessa Aris, and Central’s governing body for their unswerving support.

And congratulate headteacher Helen Anthony, her leadership team and her staff on what they have achieved. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege for me and other staff from Ninestiles to work with such committed people. And to be charmed by the boys of Central.

Let the Ofsted inspectors have the second to last word – they wrote “the most striking thing about the school is the shared belief and total commitment from all involved, students, governors, staff and teachers.

Students themselves talk with glee about how much things have changed and how lucky they are to be part of the school. The teachers and staff exude confidence and pride in the things they have achieved”.

And now I will give myself the last word: I would like to publicly thank the county council for taking the bold step in approving this school improvement contract back in 2005. It has made a difference to the future life chances of many boys. Central Technology College is now in good hands. I am confident it will go from strength to strength. It gets my ‘Olympic gold’! And if I had a younger son I would be happy to send him to Central.

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