Skills for Slough
The economy of Slough is extremely strong even in the current recession. Local employers provide high wage high skilled jobs; but, the relatively low level of skills in the local population means local people have not always been able to take full advantage until now. The Council and partners - including schools and businesses - are working hard to improve the skills and qualifications of local people. GCSE and 'A' level results are very good and improving and increasing numbers of young people e going into higher education.
- Access to good jobs and affordable homes in Slough encourages graduates to return to Slough from university
- There is an increase in the proportion of the local population attaining NVQ level 4+
- Adult education, training and skills development has also improved although this is yet to be reflected in significant improvement in level 2, or 3 qualifications
- A flexible package of training and skills development forms part of a ‘route map' for local business to use to develop their employees' skills, further individually tailored training is available to local people
- This targets people who find it difficult to get a job, such as those who do not have English as a first language, or who are lone parents
- Over 1,000 people have benefited from these schemes and most have either found employment or continued their education and training
- The gap in earnings between people employed in Slough and those that live in Slough has narrowed by £100 per week
The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) 
The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) is the UK’s largest independent provider of research, assessment and information services for education and children’s services. Its purpose is to make a difference to learners of all ages, especially to the lives of children and young people, by ensuring that its work improves the practice and understanding of everyone who works with and for learners.
NFER undertakes around 200 research projects every year, spanning all sectors of education and children’s services, and provides high quality, evidence-based research for policy makers, managers and practitioners. The Foundation offers a wide range of services and information sites, making NFER a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in education and improving children’s lives. Please click here for more information.
Did you know?
- Slough had the second highest increase (49%) in the number of university enrolments in the South East between the academic years of 1999/2000 and 2008/2009
- The January School Census (2009) notes that there were 23,141 pupils in Slough; 12,425 in nursery and primary schools and 9,829 in secondary schools. The following applies to pupils in state education only
- Educational attainment at GCSE (5 A*-C) is now better than the England average (Health Profile, 2010).According to the CHIMAT health profile, however, results at foundation stage are statistically below the average for England (these relate to academic year 2008) available at www.chimat.org.uk
- The percentage of pupils for whom English is an additional language is greater than 70% in the following primary schools; Baylis Court nursery, Godolphin Infant and Junior, IQRA Slough Islamic Primary, Montem, Penn Wood, St Marys, James Elliman and Slough and Eton secondary school. The main languages spoken other than English are related to country of origin, the census reported over 75 languages were spoken
- The most frequent countries of origin other than Britain included; Indian (3,821), Miripuri Pakistani (783), Black Sierra Leonian (700) and those of Eastern European origin (906)
- The schools which had the highest rates of Free School Meal entitlement in excess of 25% (highly correlated with deprivation) were; Godolphin Junior, Montem, Penn Wood, IQRA Slough Islamic, Foxborough, Slough and Eton CE and Wexham
- In 2010, 93% of Beechwood School Year 11 gainied five A*- C and 41% included English and Maths. Sixth formers received a 96% pass rate and an impressive average total point score per student of 751. In addition, one student achieved four grade As and ten students achieved three grade As. University places are, in the main, confirmed
- In 2009, 86% of young people at Activate, part of Haybrook College, achieved A*- C. This is an excellent result considering the challenges these young people have
- Slough Schools GCSE Results - 2009/10:
- 80% of Slough pupils achieved 5 good GCSEs
- 62% of Slough pupils achieved 5 good GCSEs including English and Mathematics
- Every secondary school in Slough achieved above the national floor target
Links
- A-Z Listing of all Schools in Slough (Primary and Secondary)
