Your say / Education
Bristol schools no longer a gamble
So, a syndicate of school workers has won the Euromillions jackpot – not sure what Ofsted would say about that, given their latest insistence on modern British values. Surely there must have been a directive that only the National Lottery can be supported?
Whatever, the news has no doubt caused many Bristol teachers and classroom staff on half term to think “if only…” Yet few of them will be surprised to hear that none of the winners, who each secured a £43,000 share of a £1million payout, has handed in his or her notice.
Most teachers would not abandon their students mid-academic year, although some money to pay for holidays and home improvements to help ease the pressure would be most welcome.
is needed now More than ever
Contrary to what the media would have us believe, school staff work extremely hard and very much need this week away from the classroom.
Students are glad of the break, too – not to mention mums and dads, relieved to have a few days off from the packed-lunch-making treadmill.
For one group of parents, today marks the last chance to buy a ticket for another lottery, one that will determine where their 11-year-old goes to secondary school. Some of them have been worrying about this since their children were born, after hearing at the nursery gate that state secondary schools are all rubbish.
In the early Noughties, education in the city was indeed mired in problem, but there has been phenomenal change in the past decade, which goes way beyond shiny new buildings. Schools have upped their game. Results have soared and Ofsted judgements are much improved.
But, for all that, some parents remain doubtful. We all want the best for our children and don’t want to gamble with their futures.
Secondary application is complicated; there is a lottery element to three schools – John Cabot Academy, Colston’s Girls’ School and Bristol Cathedral Choir School, who all use a system of drawing lots to ensure a comprehensive intake – and three schools are faith-based, so it is important to include a realistic ‘insurance’ option among your three preferences.
But there really is no need to fear. All our schools share a moral purpose and a dedication to preparing young people for life in 21st century Britain – so don’t deny your child that opportunity. Buy the ticket.
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