Ofsted Chief Inspector visits Liverpool schools

Ofsted Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw visited Liverpool yesterday to see the work that is going on to raise educational standards in the city.

During his visit he spent time at Notre Dame Catholic College in Everton and Abbots Lea Special School in Woolton, meeting staff and pupils.

Praising his visit to the schools, Wilshaw spoke of the ‘enthusiasm for learning from staff and pupils alike’.

The visit comes following comments from Wilshaw earlier this year about the importance of education to the success of the Northern Powerhouse. Mayor Joe Anderson and assistant Mayor, Cllr Nick Small invited him to Liverpool to see first-hand the work being done.

During his time in the city, they talked to him about the work done in recent years including the establishment of the Liverpool Learning Partnership which is made up of education leaders who support and challenge each other; the Liverpool Challenge chaired by former education minister Stephen Twigg MP and initiatives to raise standards in literacy and maths.

Head Frances Harrison, Asst Mayor Nick Small, Sir Michael Wilshaw & Vincent Ashworth from Ofsted and Mayor Joe Anderson at Notre Dame Catholic College

Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “I am grateful to the Mayor and Assistant Mayor for inviting me to Liverpool to see first-hand what is being done to improve the city’s schools.

“During my visit I witnessed an enthusiasm for learning from staff and pupils alike, and I am pleased to see leaders from across the city working together to raise standards in education.

“Making sure our youngsters regularly attend school is vital to improving their life chances, so it is reassuring to see that initiatives like tackling poor attendance have been made a top priority.

“Liverpool is an iconic city; known throughout the world for its contributions to industry and culture. It is only right that we strive to ensure that future generations receive a standard of education that is fitting of the city’s name.”

Mayor Joe Anderson added: “I was delighted to welcome Sir Michael Wilshaw to Liverpool to show him the work that we are doing in partnership with our schools to make sure our young people leave school with the skills necessary to go on to lead successful lives.

“There is no doubt that education standards in Liverpool are much improved compared to a decade or more ago, and the 17 much-needed new and refurbished schools being delivered as part of my Mayoral pledges will make a significant difference to teaching and learning.