Quality in education: creating a learning society: the Pen y Dre experience

Comments that Pen y Dre is a school in a socially deprived area of South Wales and that through their strategy of “Raising Achievement” they have succeeded in doubling their examination results and raising the self‐esteem of the school and local area over the past two years. Notes that the winning of the Wales Quality Award for Education in November 1995 was another important milestone for the school in its drive for continuous improvement, seamlessly building quality into every aspect of the school. Highlights some of the methods that the school has employed to implement its commitment to Raising Achievement. Points out that from this assessment, it will become apparent that many of the methods employed in industry are equally applicable to the educational environment ‐ indeed, many of the processes evident in the school are developed well beyond many currently employed as good business practice in other sectors. Notes that the process of assessment for the Wales Quality Award drew out a number of valuable lessons for both the school and the members of the assessment team. Discusses these points which are applicable beyond the confines of the school gates and should interest many in the educational, business and industrial sectors.