Katanning worries over high school

A scathing Education Department review of one of the biggest schools in WA's Great Southern region has prompted widespread community concerns.

The department's expert review group said parts of the local community had lost confidence in Katanning Senior High School because of a fall in student performance and poor staff morale.

Schools receiving a negative review have two years to improve.

But some parents and community members have told the department they are concerned that families will move away from the important regional hub if they believe their children are not getting a good education.

The review said student performance in numeracy and literacy had declined gradually since 2010 and was below average last year.

Year 12 achievement had also declined, with only a third of students achieving a qualification in 2013.

"The low staff morale is detrimental to the tone and quality of the learning environment," the review said.

"The perceived decline in student performance, an exodus of teachers and a lack of authentic engagement have resulted in deterioration in the relationship between the school and the wider community."

Parent Ian Hanna said many people were concerned about the level of education that students were receiving. "We are also very concerned about the long-term impact this will have on our community," he said.

Education director-general Sharyn O'Neill said she had made it clear to principal Nicki Polding and staff she expected improvements at Katanning, but it would take time.

There were already positive signs of change, including a significant increase in the number of Year 12s who finished school with a qualification last year.

Shire president Alan McFarland said he had urged the department to treat the review seriously because there was a public perception that education was lacking in Katanning.