Essex LA is committed to establishing and developing a range of methods by which schools can be supported to raise boys' achievement.
Narrowing attainment gaps/tackling underachievement is a national priority and the LA is committed to supporting schools in this important area of school improvement.

Research findings suggest that schools that have successfully raised boys' achievement have tackled issues at a whole school level, ensuring that the school community is aware of the issues and is able to implement the chosen strategies of improvement. These strategies include making changes to the school culture that enable boys to feel valued, respected and wanting to attend school. Research advocates the introduction of systems to ensure that all pupils' progress is regularly monitored and immediate intervention is put in place where boys are not progressing as expected. Research shows that there is 'no quick-fix' to raising boys' achievement but that those schools who are most successful make improvements across these three strands:

Culture, Structure and Pedagogy.

In response to research findings Essex LA provides a clear strategic view and practical solutions to support schools in ensuring that all groups of pupils, whatever their gender, make good progress and achieve well.

'A Curriculum Framework for Essex Schools - Every Learner' states:
'To ensure that every learner is entitled to a curriculum rich and varied, challenging and inspiring which enables every individual to fulfil her or his potential to the highest possible standard …'

The LA is committed to supporting each of its schools to develop a whole school perspective encompassing a positive school culture, underpinning structures and a pedagogy that addresses differing learning styles and ensures every individual enjoys a successful and effective educational career.

The LA support falls into three main categories.

1. Providing an overview for all schools of current research and classroom based strategies.

• Information shared through the Essex Grid for Learning web-site. www.e-gfl.org
   
• Information captured in the Essex Project into Raising Boys' Achievement case studies publication of successful practice.
• Conferences on raising boys' achievement with national keynote speakers.
• CPD opportunities.

2. Consultancy packages for any school tailored to their individual needs.

• Relevant activities informed by recent research.
• High quality materials and resources in terms of both content and presentation.
• Delivery style and methodology appropriate to the activities and the needs of the participants.

3. Intensive support for targeted schools.

• The Essex Project into Raising Boys' Achievement.
• Seminars for targeted school key staff.
• Advisory and Inspection Co-ordinators' support for targeted schools.
• Data support for targeted schools.
• Use of pupil perception surveys to support base-line data.
• Support for schools to produce final case study to be disseminated.