About £2bn-worth of government initiatives to improve pupil attainment are failing, according to an analysis of Key Stage 3 test results.
Researchers at the University of Manchester's Centre for Formative Assessment Studies analysed the effect of 14 government initiatives implemented since 1997 on Key Stage 3 test results at 375 schools during 2004 and 2005.
Taking into account variables, such as school size and free school meal entitlement, the research found none of the initiatives had a positive effect on attainment, numeracy and literacy and one even had a negative affect - the Year 7 optional English test.
The researchers go as far as labelling initiatives, such as the £170m Secondary Strategy and the £1.7bn Excellence in Cities project, as a "costly waste of time", in terms of their key aim of improving attainment. Other schemes to be criticised include the 14-19 pathfinders initiative, young apprenticeships and specialist school status.
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