A DAMNING report into the quality of secondary education has been released.
Ofsted's annual report names Barnsley as one of the 16 local authority areas in England where less than 60 per cent of children attend good or outstanding secondary schools, have lower than national GCSE attainment and make less than national levels of expected progress.
Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “We have to ask whether this level of failure is being effectively challenged by local politicians and school leaders.”
Primary education in Barnsley fared better, with 81 per cent of pupils in a good or outstanding schools.
A Barnsley Council watchdog set up to monitor improvement says progress is being made.
A spokesman said: “We fully recognise the overall quality of our secondary schools is not yet at the high level of performance and attainment that anyone with an interest in the achievements and future success our young people rightfully expects.”
