Special measures 'unfair to Endeavour'

A Hull school's slide into special measures is "grossly unfair", according to its former chairman of governors.

As reported in yesterday's Mail, Endeavour High School, in Beverley Road, Hull, is said to be making inadequate progress by Ofsted inspectors.

A report into their findings, which is yet to be published, will confirm the school has been placed in special measures for the second time in just over five years.

But Councillor Daren Hale, who helped steer Endeavour through special measures in 2004 and 2005 in his role as chair of governors, has said such a move is unjust.

He said: "If these findings are confirmed, it would seem grossly unfair to judge a school before the GCSE results are released.

"This summer, the school's results will show significant improvement, which will be the envy of many schools in the city.

"To judge a school before the results is like awarding the World Cup based on results at half time, and that can't be just, reasonable or fair.

"Everyone in the local authority who goes into Endeavour recognises it's an improving school with good behaviour, good teaching, good standards and good pupils."

The school, which has just under 900 pupils, was visited by inspectors last month.

The Mail understands the school will appeal the decision.

A source close to the school said the report contains conflicting evidence.

They said: "It is not a report of a school in special measures, it is incredibly positive about a number of things, such as the care, guidance and support given to pupils and the curriculum.

"No teaching was judged unsatisfactory, yet teaching and learning was inadequate.

A spokeswoman for Ofsted told the Mail it could not comment on Endeavour's report because it has not yet been published.