Failing Schools…fact or fiction?

LONDON – 16 December 2005 – Overall about a third (32%) of British adults describe education standards as poor, with one in 10 (11%) describe education standards as very or extremely poor, according to a new Harris Interactive^® survey.

Opinions of education standards differ across Great Britain, with Scottish and Welsh residents providing the most positive opinions. Half (52% and 50% respectively) describe state provided education standards in their countries as good. Conversely, Londoners hold the most negative opinion, where as many as 43% describe the education standards as poor.

Current usage of the state education system strongly impacts perceptions of educational standards. Parents with children in state provided schools are far more positive than those who do not have children of school age or who have opted for the private sector. Half (53%) of parents with children in state schools rated the standards of education in their country as ‘good’ compared with just 37% of those who do not use state schools.

With regards to choice, over half of parents (57%) with children in state provided education are satisfied with the choice of schools in their area. However, there is no doubt that there is room for improvement, as a substantial minority of parents (29%) are dissatisfied with the choice of schools available to them; nearly 1 in 5 (18%) believes there are no good schools in their area.

Again opinions differ across Great Britain; with parents in London far more dissatisfied than the national average. In London as many as 46% of parents are dissatisfied with the choice of schools available to them, and nearly 1 in 3 (32%) perceive there to be no good schools in their area. Conversely, the most positive response came from the South East (excluding London) where more than two thirds (67%) of parents are satisfied with the choice of schools available, and only 9% perceive there to be no good schools in their area.

Despite a significant proportion of parents dissatisfied with the choice of schools available, the vast majority are satisfied with the standards of education at their children’s schools (65%). This is especially the case in the South East (excluding London), where 76% of parents are satisfied.

Interestingly, education standards are perceived to be higher in primary schools than in secondary schools; 73% of parents with children in primary schools are satisfied with the standards of education at the schools their children attend compared with only 59% of those with children in secondary schools.

However, nearly 1 parent in 4 (24%) is dissatisfied with the standard of education their child receives; and this dissatisfaction rises to nearly 1 in 3 (32%) within London.

Well over half of parents (60%) agree that their children are able to reach their potential at their current school, again significant proportions disagree. One quarter of adults (24%) nationally and one third (33%) within London disagree that their child will be able to reach their potential at their current school.

Only 38% of parents believe that children receive enough discipline at schools.

Despite receiving a difficult time in Parliament, recent legislative proposals may be positively received by parents, since 30% of those with children at state schools want to be more involved in the running of their children’s schools.

However, the Government has its work cut out in raising awareness of their proposed changes to the education system, as just over half (51%) of the UK population is aware. Furthermore only 18% believes that these proposals will have any positive impact, with about a third remaining undecided (34%). Interestingly, the age group most positive towards the proposed changes are 18 to 24 year olds. Almost one third (30%) of 18 to 24 year olds believe the proposed changes will have a positive impact on our schools.

Caroline England, leader of public sector research at Harris Interactive, says, "It is encouraging that many parents actively involved in the state education system have positive attitudes about standards, particularly at primary level. However, it is of course a concern that a significant proportion of parents are dissatisfied with the choice of schools and standards of education, particularly in London."

"What is your opinion of the standards of education at state provided schools (primary and secondary) in your country?"

Base: All Adults

"What is your opinion of the standards of education at state provided schools (primary and secondary) in your country?"

Base: All Adults

Base: All Adults

"How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the choice of schools available to you?"

Base: Adults who have children at State provided school

"Now thinking specifically about your eldest child in school, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the standards of education at your eldest child’s school?"

Base: Adults who have children at State provided school

"To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your eldest child at school?"

Base: Adults who have children at State provided school, and said:

"Have you recently seen or heard anything about proposed changes in Government policy towards education? E.g. "freedom for schools and power for parents."

Base: All Adults

"To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed changes will improve education standards at state provided schools?"

Base: All adults aware of proposed changes

Harris Interactive^® conducted the online survey from 3 – 8 Nov. and from 17 - 21 Nov. 2005, among 3854 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain, using its Harris Poll Global Omnibus. Data were weighted to be representative of the general adult population in each country with respect to age, sex, income, education, geographic location and propensity to be online.

In theory, with probability samples of this size, one could say with 95 percent certainty that the results have a sampling error of plus or minus 1 percentage point. Unfortunately, there are several other possible sources of error in polls or surveys that are probably more serious than theoretical calculations of sampling error. This includes refusals to be interviewed (nonresponse), question wording and question order, and weighting. It is impossible to quantify the errors that may result from these factors. This online sample is not a probability sample.

About Harris Interactive^®

Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe (www.harrisinteractive.com/europe) and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in Paris, France (www.novatris.com), and through an independent global network of affiliate market research companies. EOE M/F/D/V

Harris Interactive Inc. (www.harrisinteractive.com), based in Rochester, New York, is the 13^th largest and the fastest-growing market research firm in the world, most widely known for The Harris Poll^® and for its pioneering leadership in the online market research industry. Long recognized by its clients for delivering insights that enable confident business decisions, the Company blends the science of innovative research with the art of strategic consulting to deliver knowledge that leads to measurable and enduring value.

To become a member of the Harris Poll Online^SM and be invited to participate in future online surveys, go to www.harrispollonline.com

Harris Interactive Press Contacts:

Caroline North
+44 (0) 208 263 5246
cnorth@harrisinteractive.com

Nancy Wong
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nwong@harrisinteractive.com