A DAMNING report slamming Poole’s “extremely low” performing schools has demanded the council take “determined action” to improve.

The independent report by researchers ISOS, which used statistics alongside interviews with council officials and head teachers, honed in on the “poor attainment and progress” of the town’s most disadvantaged children.

The report said the gap in performance between these students and others is “too great” and “not narrowing”.

Concerns were raised for pupils aged between eight and 11 whose performance is described as “extremely low for both attainment and achievement.”

And the progress of older children was deemed to be “not reflecting their potential” with school bosses accused of being “not sufficiently ambitious for local young people.”

Feedback from the interviews also highlighted concerns about the relationship between some secondary schools and the council.

It said: “Secondary heads felt they had been a lower priority for the LA (local authority) than primary and the level of contact between the LA and secondary schools had been low particularly for high performing schools and academies. There was recognition that this had started to shift more recently and that the LA is keen to work with secondary heads in a number of specific areas.”

The report praised the council for its use of data in identifying individuals and the “robust and decisive action” it has taken with schools not making progress. It said the authority has already taken steps to “strengthen the development of school-to-school support”.

It does, however, conclude by saying: “The outcome of the ISOS review identifies that concerted and determined action is required by the council and also the whole schools’ community to raise educational achievement for children and young people in Poole.

“To not take firm and decisive action, including increasing resources, will mean that children and young people in Poole do not achieve their full potential.”

Council leader Janet Walton said she welcomed the findings, adding: “It is helpful that it identifies strengths in the council’s approach to working with our local schools to raise standards and improve the outcomes for all our young people but also gives clear recommendations on next steps."

Cabinet member for children, Cllr Mike White, added: "We are all committed to continuing to work together in a concerted and determined manner to raise educational standards for children and young people in Poole.

"The ISOS report sets out clear recommendations for our future joint work with schools and how schools can best work together.

"It is essential that elected members take a key and proactive role in this area.”

The council says it will develop a “comprehensive action plan” in response to the findings.