A SENIOR teacher has returned to the Forest after a "life-changing" visit to schools serving some of the poorest neighbourhoods in the United States.

Aidan Dowle, who is deputy head of Lakers School in Coleford, was one of just four teachers from the UK selected for a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship.

He spent seven weeks in Chicago where he was able to see the work of "catalyst" schools in deprived neighbourhoods.

The catalyst schools are achieving remarkable results in areas where gang crime is rampant and 20 per cent of students have no fixed home.

He said: "Gang culture has such a hold and drive-by shootings are common. A young person was murdered across the street while I was there."

Despite that the schools are "a focus of hope" for their communities, said Mr Dowle, who spent time volunteering in Chicago some 30 years ago.

He said: "These schools are in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the USA yet they are achieving remarkable results on limited resources and are easily competing with state schools across Chicago.

"The key to their success is the quality of teaching, inspirational leadership and providing a rounded education.

"The teachers feel they are making a difference by unlocking the abilities and motivation of the children.

"The children realise education is their ticket out of poverty and parents are very supportive and underpin what the schools are doing.

"I didn't think I would find anything to bring back to Coleford but there was a really exciting vision and engagement with the community.

"Like Lakers they believe all children deserve the very best education and that is more than just about passing exams."

Despite having 98 per cent of pupils on free school meals, attendance was also 98 per cent and the schools insisted on high standards of behaviour and uniform.

The school day begins at 7.30am with each pupil getting a welcoming handshake from staff and runs until 5pm.

"These children feel valued and safe and their motivation to learn is clear."

"I was impressed with the leadership in some of these inner-city schools and it is so encouraging to see how successful they are against all the odds.

"It was a life-changing experience and has renewed my belief in the power of education to make a difference."

The final part of the trip saw him travelling up the Mississippi through tornado storms to visit St Mary's University at Winona to observe the university's programme supporting students from inner-city areas.

Since returning to Lakers he has been working with senior colleagues to further improve the coaching of excellence in teaching.

The school is also looking at the value of global citizenship and international links with primary schools in the area.