The head of Ofsted says that half of the 4,000 schools rated ‘outstanding’ by the inspectors will be removed from their grade after an overhaul to the inspection system.
Amanda Spielman is the chief inspector for education and expects that the number of outstanding schools will ‘fall approximately from 4,133 to about 2,000’ after a new inspection system, which will overhaul educational standards.
According to the Ofsted chief, she is not surprised that half the schools that were inspect were no longer graded outstanding after the inspection was completed.
Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector of education (Pictured), says half of Ofsted’s 4,000 ‘outstanding’ rated schools are set to be stripped of the grade following an overhaul of the inspection regime
According to Mrs Spielman, The Sunday Times reported that inspections will reveal a number of schools which were previously graded excellent but are now not.
“I don’t think it would surprise me if 50% of schools were no longer exceptional is where we go.
“It is a positive adjustment and is welcomed by schools and parents. It creates an honest discussion about the school’s current state, not what it used to be.
Schools with a rating of ‘outstanding” were not allowed to have reinspections unless there was a severe dip or parent complaint.
It was intended to allow schools with high academic standing to focus on their teaching and not have to worry about being inspected.
But in 2019, the NAO’s audit of Ofsted found that 1,620 schools had not been inspected for six years or more, including 296 which have gone without for more than a decade and a small number for up to 13 years.
These schools, previously exempted by routine inspection because they were deemed exceptional, will now be subject to the regular inspection. Schools that have already started this year are eligible for this exemption.
According to the chief inspector for education, there is a possibility that 4,133 schools will be deemed ‘outstanding’ after introducing a new inspection program. The goal of this regime is to improve education standards following the pandemic.
The King Edward VI Grammar school in Chelmsford in Essex is one of many schools that will be subject to reinspection. It was last inspected in 2006.
At the time Ofsted found the school is ‘outstandingly effective, confirming its own evaluation. They are also very efficient learning communities.
The announcement comes after Gavin Williamson, the former education secretary, stated that all schools should be in regular inspection to aid parents making educated decisions.
Williamson spoke at the time: “Making certain that all schools have been regularly inspected will mean they will receive the expert input Ofsted offers when making these important decisions.”
Ofsted is trusted by parents, which we know to be true. This is a great organization because it provides an impartial, clear and transparent view of school and college performance.
“But, it’s also more than that. It’s a driver for improvement.
“We continue to believe that our top schools and colleges will do a good job. However, Without Ofsted standards, they would be unchecked. The exemption also meant there was often no up-to date picture.
Although union leaders have written to ministers requesting that the reforms be stopped, Ofsted’s chief said that parents should make an informed decision about which school to send their child to.
This week, Ofsted’s eagerly anticipated reports will be available. These reports are going to include information about 120 schools deemed outstanding and to be reinspected.