THE proof is in percentages - against a background of 'challenge and disadvantage' Herefordshire's Education Action Zone (EAZ) has succeeded in seeing more students on to further schooling.

This jump is just the boost the Zone needs on entering a last year of operation. Those on the ground know it is working and now OFSTED says so too.

A recent report speaks of the zone, which takes in 22 schools and 5,000 pupils across South Wye and the Golden Valley, as providing 'significant impetus' for improvement.

The objective over the next 12 months is to focus resources where they are most needed, an issue identified in the report.

Inspectors found primary pupils weren't progressing at the same pace as secondary students.

EAZ Director Val Dann acknowledges this evaluation but prefers to put it in context.

"Zone schools face greater levels of challenge and disadvantage with almost double the county average of free school meals and 25 per cent more pupils with Special Educational Needs. We are working closely with schools to target resources."

Apprenticeships

At the other end of the scale three years of Zone status has seen the percentage of school leavers staying on for further education and modern apprenticeships increase from 53 per cent to more than 80 per cent.

Attendance is also improving with exclusions at secondary level well down.

Herefordshire EAZ was one of the first to be designated by Government. Zones are partnerships intended to tackle entrenched underachievement and social exclusion in disadvantaged areas.

Those benefiting directly back OFSTEDs opinions. At Hunderton Infants School, head Margaret Davies speaks of a 'highly valued' contribution - from free books to a family support scheme.

At Haywood High, head Wiktor Daron said: "I'm sure I reflect the opinions of staff, that we are incredibly grateful for the help we have received. We are convinced that the progress pupils have made as a result of the EAZ initiatives will be sustained for the future."