Challenging the Challenged: Developing an Improvement Programme for Schools Facing Extremely Challenging Circumstances

This chapter outlines a contemporary research and development programme that focused on a group of eight secondary schools in England. The schools in this study were considered to be facing extremely challenging circumstances primarily reflected in high levels of socio-economic disadvantage that impacted upon them. They were also schools considered to be seriously under-performing and in need of particular improvement and support strategies. The chapter outlines the background, nature and scope of the improvement programme designed for this group of schools, collectively known as the 'Octet' group. It reflects upon the progress that has been made and, more significantly, the lessons emerging about the limitations and possibilities of improving schools in the most difficult circumstances.