Pilot beacon schools' advice

Regard status as a whole-school issue Build on networks already in place Share resulting workload among staff Treat partner schools with sensitivity Tailor dissemination of good practice to receiver

The study suggests the chance to visit other schools and observe lessons was greatly valued by teachers in both beacon and partner schools.

The enhanced career and promotion opportunities for beacon school staff were also welcomed and self-confidence and morale was boosted.

Head teachers also found that with the raised profile of beacon status, they were attracting more and better candidates for advertised posts, the research says.

Many of the beacon schools pointed to their local education authority as having a "vital role" in the dissemination process.

Benefits to others

Partner schools saw improvements in pupil monitoring, curriculum design and delivery, school structures and pastoral provision.

This report shows just what can be achieved in an environment where teachers and schools are able to learn from one another

Estelle Morris

In some cases, there were claims of improved pupil achievement.

School Standards Minister Estelle Morris said the analysis of beacon schools proved they did help raise standards at others in the area.

"This report shows just what can be achieved in an environment where teachers and schools are able to learn from one another," she said.

But union leaders said the report, which is believed to have cost the taxpayer �50,600, had only highlighted the obvious.

Lavishing extra cash and attention on certain schools was bound to give them a boost, they claimed.

No surprise

Nigel de Gruchy, general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers said beacon schools got "extra resources, extra kudos and better kids".

"They would be surprised and disappointed if they weren't doing better than the ordinary neighbourhood 'comp'."

It was an expensive way of finding out and repeating the obvious, he added.

By January there will be 588 beacon schools in England and the government's intention is to have 1,000 by 2002.

Beacon schools offer advice on a range of areas including specific curriculum subjects, pupil monitoring, school management, provision for gifted and talented children, improving parent involvement, special educational needs and anti-bullying strategies.