NO - Christine Blower, acting general secretary, National Union of Teachers
I cannot understand the logic of saying 29 per cent of pupils with five GCSEs A*-C represents failure and 31 per cent is success. I urge the government to drop the phrase 'poorest-performing schools'. It is unfair and inaccurate. Very many have good inspection reports. If the government is to provide meaningful support to the 638 secondary schools identified, it has to lift the threat of closure for failing to meet arbitrary targets. No head or teacher mindful of their career will join a National Challenge school if they think it will be closed and turned into an academy in the following year.
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