Headteacher Gary Philips is celebrating official DCSF confirmation that in 2008 Lilian Baylis hit the crucial National Challenge 30% figure for A*-C GCSEs, including English and maths. But July is fast approaching and deputy head Su Wardrop is rounding up an intervention group of Year 11 students who are in danger of slipping below grade C in English and maths in this year's GCSE exams. Not everyone is happy. Some students and their parents are frustrated that extra English mean missing out on other subjects. The Parents Evening sees head of English Iain Sankey facing some flak. But Philips is unrepentant, arguing that English and maths are crucial for college entry.

Video Series: Challenge
Release Date 2008