A NEW traffic light system showing how local schools are faring has been introduced this week with two red schools in north Pembrokeshire and 11 schools in the Tivy-Side area being given the top green or yellow ratings.

The National School Categorisation System - where schools are given a red, amber, yellow or green rating - has replaced the controversial banding system introduced by the Welsh Government a few years ago.

In north Pembrokeshire two red schools were identified - Ysgol Bro Gwaun at Fishguard, and Ysgol Gynradd Eglwyswrw.

Red schools are said to be those in need of greatest improvement, schools experiencing a decline in key aspects of their performance, and they will receive 'intensive support' and may be subject to intervention by the Local Education Authority and regional consortium, according to the new system.

Two schools in the Cardigan area were given the top, green 'highly effective rating' – Ysgol Llechryd and Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi.

Amber support schools in Pembrokeshire - those in need of improvement included a number in the Preseli family of primary schools: Brynconin C.P. School in Llandisilio, Cilgerran V.C.P. School, Ysgol Llandudoch and Ysgol Clydau, as well as Ysgol Bro Dewi in St Davids, and Ysgol Ger y Llan, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, and Ysgol Wdig in the Bro Gwaun family of schools.

Schools in that category are said to not know and understand all the areas in need of improvement with many aspects of their performance not improving quickly enough. They will receive tailored challenge and intervention and short term support and are at risk of dropping to a red level of support if there is insufficient progress.

Amber schools in need of support in the Cardigan area included: Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, Ysgol Cei Newydd, Ysgol Beulah, Ysgol Penparc, Ysgol Trewen, Ysgol Aberbanc, Ysgol Cenarth and Ysgol Bro Sion Cwilt.

Effective schools – or yellow schools - those with 'good levels of learner outcomes in key performance indicators', that understand and take action to address most areas needing improvement and where it was found that many aspects of their performance were self-improving included Ysgol y Preseli and Ysgol Bro Ingli in Pembrokeshire, and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi.

Yellow rated primary schools in the Cardigan and Llandysul area included Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Aberporth, Ysgol Coedybryn, Ysgol Llandysul, Ysgol Pontsian, Ysgol T. Llew Jones and Ysgol Beca and Ysgol Ddwylan in Carmarthenshire.

Betsan O'Connor, managing director of Education through Regional Working (ERW), the regional consortium in charge of driving standards, said: "We are pleased that so many of our schools require minimal support as they are in the Green and Yellow support categories. In particular we are pleased that schools working with our most vulnerable learners across urban and rural communities are being recognised for their hard work. Our best schools will now be helping those that are in need of additional support.

"Obviously there will be some schools which are disappointed about elements of the outcomes published today, but this is the first year this Categorisation model has been implemented and ERW is committed to supporting these schools to ensure they reach their full potential, with the help of other schools.

"This cannot be compared to the banding system and should be looked at as a long term solution to build a self improving school system, based on appropriate support, challenge and intervention. The main aim of the Categorisation model is to ensure that schools access the appropriate level of support and schools work together to make it possible for every school to improve and for this to be recognised within the model."

ERW is the 'regional school effectiveness service' set up to drive school improvement and learner achievement across the combined area of six local authorities in the South West and Mid Wales region (Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Powys, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot).

Find out more about your school at www.wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/schoolshome/raisingstandards/schoolbanding/?lang=en