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Evaluation of Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs)

National Strategy Primary Learning Networks

Outcomes of pilot scheme for Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs) working in National Strategy Primary Learning Networks. Pilots in 17 local authorities explored how ASTs could work to support networks of primary schools. The results were very positive and a number of different models emerged. The evaluation identifies the advantages and the factors which affected their success. Read a summary or the full evaluation report (October 2006).

Between 2000-2003 Ofsted published two reports on the work of ASTs. The reports examine how the skills of ASTs are being used to raise teaching and learning standards.

Advanced Skills Teachers: survey 1767 by HMI (October 2003)

Ofsted

Ofsted published a report of a survey on the work of ASTs carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI) during the academic year 1999/2000 see below). This further report is based on a survey of a larger sample of ASTs in primary, secondary and special schools, carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate (HMI) in 2002/03. The survey focused on the work of ASTs and their impact on teaching, learning and standards in the home and outreach schools. It also looked at how ASTs are recruited, trained, managed and monitored. Visits were made to over 60 schools in 27 local education authorities (LEAs), including county and small unitary authorities, and metropolitan boroughs. In addition, a survey questionnaire was sent to the 1550 ASTs in post at the time (350 primary and 1200 secondary), of which nearly 800 were returned and subsequently analysed (a 55 per cent response).

The appointment and deployment of Advanced Skills Teachers: a survey by HMI (August 2000)

Ofsted (Teacher Education and Training Division)

This report describes a survey of ASTs by HMI in the summer term of 2000. The purpose of these visits was to examine how the skills of ASTs had been used to raise teaching and learning standards within their own schools, and also in outreach settings in other schools. The impact on the pay and management structures of the schools was also assessed, as was the degree of support ASTs were receiving.

Visits were made to 21 schools in which one or more ASTs had been appointed. Thirteen secondary schools and eight primary schools were visited, the schools being drawn from a range of types and locations. In addition, supplementary visits were made to seven primary schools and one secondary school where outreach work by ASTs had taken place. Individual discussions took place with a total of 39 ASTs, nine in primary schools and 30 in secondary schools. Eighteen of the teachers had been appointed under the initial pilot arrangements where 100 per cent of the funding comes from the Department for Education and Skills and 20 under Standards Fund 3b, where 50 per cent of the funding comes from the local authority (LA). One AST was an appointment the school had made with its own funding. For one design and technology AST there was also some external funding from industry. Discussions also took place with headteachers other than those of the schools employing the ASTs, LA officers, and the head of a pupil referral unit, and the education officer of a large company that was part-funding an AST.

Last updated: 3 July 2007