EDUCATION chiefs for mid Cheshire have welcomed the findings of a rigorous Government inspection into how well pupils aged from 14 to 19 are being taught.

The comprehensive review found the majority of young people are well served by the colleges, schools and training providers in the area and receive effective advice and guidance.

The report comes at a time when the Tomlinson report calls for a complete overhaul of 14 to 19 education, including the abolition of GCSE and A-levels.

The mid Cheshire report concluded that education and training was of a high standard - in Ofsted grades the overall performance grade was 'good' putting Cheshire in the premier league for education in the country.

As well as highlighting the key strengths on which to build education provision in the future, inspectors also made a number of recommendations for improvement.

One of the issues that inspectors have highlighted is that more young people in the area should be encouraged to consider vocational or work-based learning such as apprenticeships more seriously as an option at 16.

Inspectors said: "Currently pupils and their parents are too ready to assume that progression to AS level courses is the best option, irrespective of past exam achievements."

The assessment centres on key districts in Cheshire, including Vale Royal, but applies to the whole area.

Highlights of the report confirmed that the proportion of pupils gaining five or more GCSE grades A* to C was above the national average, as were the numbers of 16-year-olds participating and staying on in education or training.

The report praised the strategic leadership shown by key planning bodies including the Learning and Skills Council, Connexions and Cheshire County Council.

David Cracknell, director of education and community for Cheshire County Council, said: "It is clear from this inspection that the majority of teaching going on in local schools, colleges and training providers is very good.

"We are delighted with this positive acknowledgement of the hard work that goes on in schools and colleges in the area as well as their achievements.

"However we need to challenge the less effective performance in a small number of sixth forms and in ensuring that effective partnerships develop across the area."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk