An evaluation of the impact of the Intensifying Support Programme (ISP) 2004–2005

Date of issue: Jun. 2006
Audience: heads and deputies, coordinators

Background information
A report by Nottingham Trent University who conducted an external evaluation of the Intensifying Support pilot, now known as the Improving Schools Programme (ISP). The evaluation took the form of in-depth interviews and observational visits carried out in seven LEAs, supplemented by telephone interviews in a further four. A second strand was an analysis of existing numerical data and statistics pertaining to National Curriculum tests.

Some of the main findings were: The evaluation shows that the great majority of schools involved in the ISP valued the programme. They perceived that the project had supported them in improving the learning, teaching and assessment of children’s progress and that it has supported them in raising standards as measured both by National Curriculum tests and by teacher assessment within schools. The statistical analysis shows that the attainment of pupils, as measured by end of Key Stage 2 test results, increased more in pilot schools than in the control group.