Written question WQ82783

In July 2020, school categorisation was suspended for the 2020/21 academic year as part of Welsh Government’s actions to reduce administrative burdens on schools during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling them to focus on supporting learners during this exceptional period.

School categorisation outcomes are therefore not available for the 2020/21 academic year. Categorisation outcomes were last published in January 2020 and historic outcomes are available on Gov.wales at: https://gov.wales/national-school-categorisation-system-support-categories. However, categorisation outcomes from previous years do not necessarily represent an accurate reflection of schools’ current support needs.

My priorities for the coming year are to renew and reform, putting learners’ progression and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. On 21 June, I therefore set out a series of measures to create more capacity and ease potential pressures within the school system. As part of these measures, I confirmed that the suspension of school categorisation would continue for the 2021/22 academic year. Regional consortia and local authorities will continue to work with schools to help provide them with the support they need to improve and to successfully implement our ambitious reforms.

I intend to publish new guidance for the school system in the autumn term which will ensure that evaluation, improvement and accountability arrangements align with and support the implementation of the new curriculum.