THE Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission recently reported that Oxford is a social mobility coldspot. Less than four in 10 disadvantaged children achieve a good level of achievement at age five and few advance to university.

Meanwhile, Rose Hill Primary has been judged inadequate by Ofsted and placed in special measures. All Ofsted reports must be treated with caution, and headteacher Sue Vermes has vigorously defended her school, pointing to great difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers.

However, it is clear that test results are below national averages and improvement is required.

Social mobility is not down just to education, but one wonders how many Rose Hill children will attend university or find skilled employment in years to come.

It might be expected that the county council member responsible for schools Melinda Tilley would comment on these findings, and be taking action to remedy failings.

But there is silence from County Hall. It is telling that Ian Hudspeth in a recent article made no mention of schools in his future plans for the county council.

It would seem he and his Conservative colleagues are content for the city’s underachieving schools to be taken over by academy chains.

But this is certainly no guarantee of improvement.

Ofsted inspectors recently reported that 40 per cent of pupils in primary schools run by large academy chain AET are in ‘academies that do not provide a good standard of education’.

The children in disadvantaged areas of Oxford need change now. I suggest Melinda Tilley sets up a small task force to draw up an urgent plan of action to assist local primaries in need.

There are other councillors with relevant expertise and experience in education who could help.

CHRIS BREWER
McCabe Place, Headington