For two decades scholars have studied non-educational
organisations where the demand to function correctly first time,
every time is imperative. These organisations are known as
high reliability organisations (HROs). They found that
regardless of industry sector, HROs share a high number of
characteristics.
The High Reliablity School project demonstrates
how HRO characteristics can be applied to shape whole
school reform, and improve students’ academic achievement
levels. This report
summarises the four and nine year findings from a reform
programme implemented across twelve secondary schools in
Wales. The main aim of the program was to produce
sustainable reform.
The research shows that the twelve schools working with the
HRO model since 1996 have made a substantial and sustainable gain
in academic achievement.