The performance data presented below is designed to offer an overview of how the Education Service is performing in a number of key areas. Some of the indicators, such as examination performance and school leaver destinations, can only be presented on an annual basis and we have annotated the various headings where this is the case.

SQA Results (Annual data)

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) places comparable qualifications into groups by SCQF Level as shown below.

SCQF Level	Qualifications
3	Standard Grade (Foundation Level), Access 3 Clusters
4	Standard Grade (General Level), Intermediate 1
5	Standard Grade (Credit Level), Intermediate 2
6	Higher
7	Advanced Higher

The average performance of Falkirk Council's secondary schools at each SCQF Level over the last six years is given below. The figures for Scotland and comparator authorities are also shown below

The figures are quoted as a percentage of the appropriate S4 roll and so 1% represents approximately 2 students in a secondary school with an S4 roll of about 200 students.

School Leaver Destinations (Annual data)

Information on the destination of leavers from publicly funded schools is provided by Skills Development Scotland. The chart below shows how Falkirk Council schools have performed over the past seven years.

Despite the economic downturn, the percentage of pupils leaving Falkirk Council schools without positive destinations is now at its lowest level.

The chart below shows how the percentage of Falkirk school leavers without positive destinations compares with the Scottish average and the average of our comparator authorities over the past seven years.

Number of Temporary Pupil Exclusions from School

The Scottish Government has recently published details of exclusions from Scottish schools. The charts below show that the rate of exclusion in Falkirk primary and secondary schools continues to be well below both the Scottish average and the average of our comparator authorities.

The Scottish Government has recently issued revised guidance to schools and authorities concerning the use of temporary exclusions. It is anticipated that the new procedures may result in an increase in the recorded number of temporary exclusions from school.

Uptake of free School meals

From the start of the current academic session in August until the end of December, on average 94% of primary pupils and 81% of secondary pupils who were entitled to free school meals, took up that entitlement. 

The charts below show how this compares with previous years, however it should be noted that the level of uptake of free schools meals varies over the academic session.

 

 

Cost of Repairs due to Vandalism

The total expenditure on vandalism costs for the period April to December 2011 was £164k, this compares with £281k for the 2010/11 financial year as shown in the chart below.

The vandalism costs for April to December 2011 are broken down by sector below

Vandalism costs within the secondary school estate is one of the two major variable expenditures (the other being energy) and it is recognised that it is essential to control these costs. It is proposed to introduce a devolved budget to schools with clear guidance on the management of vandalism claims from the Service Providers, and a greater emphasis on stopping vandalism at its source. This will be discussed with secondary headteachers shortly.

Pupil Attendance at School 

Pupil attendance for 2010/11 session – Primary Schools

Pupil attendance in Falkirk Council primary schools has been higher than the Scottish average and the average of our comparator authorities for the past 3 years.

The chart below show how pupil attendance rates in Falkirk primary schools compare with the rest of Scotland and our comparator authorities

Pupil attendance for 2010/11 session – Secondary Schools

Pupil attendance in Falkirk secondary schools is in line with the Scottish average, while remaining slightly below the average of our comparator authorities.  Snow closures contributed to a slight reduction in attendance as some Falkirk secondary schools remained open for some year groups because of prelim exam arrangements.

 

The chart below show how pupil attendance rates in Falkirk secondary schools compare with the rest of Scotland and our comparator authorities.

Percentage of Primary & Secondary Schools Participating in the Eco Schools Programme

Eco Schools is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. It is an environmental management tool, learning resource and recognised award scheme. All Falkirk Council primary and secondary schools participate in this programme.

The chart below shows the percentage of schools achieving awards through the Eco Schools programme. All primary and secondary schools have received at least a bronze award and 89% of primary and secondary schools have received at least a silver award.

Falkirk ranks 7th in Scotland for the percentage of educational establishments (including nursery and special schools) receiving a Green Flag award.

Occupancy in Primary & Secondary Schools

The occupancy of a school is calculated by dividing the school roll as notified in the September pupil census by the capacity of the school at that time (expressed as a percentage). The charts below show occupancy levels in Falkirk Council primary and secondary schools over the past 5 years.

Three primary schools are currently at more than 100% occupancy.  The capacity of these schools is currently being boosted with temporary modular classrooms

Occupancy rates in Falkirk Council secondary schools have remained the same for the past 3 years. 

Customer Complaints

From April to December 2011, Education Services received a total of 52 formal complaints. This was exactly half the number of complaints received in the same period last year. The chart below shows the number of complaints received by Education Services each quarter from April 2006 to September 2011.

The number of complaints received by education services in the first 3 quarters of 2011/12 has been significantly lower than for the same period in previous years.

Freedom of Information Requests

Between April and December 2011, 123 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests were processed by Education Services. This compares with 129 FOI requests received during April to December 2010.

The chart below shows how many FOI requests have been dealt with by Education Services since April 2008. It also shows the number of requests originating from the media and from MSP/MPs.