Major Overhaul: UK Scraps One-Word Ofsted Ratings Following Tragic Catalyst and Sector Consultation

Single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools will be discontinued at once

This modification comes after discussions with educational stakeholders and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following an Ofsted review.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 08:

Ofsted's practice of issuing single-word evaluations for public schools has been immediately discontinued, a change celebrated as a "significant milestone for children."

Before, the educational oversight body would assign one of four ratings to the schools it evaluated: outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.

Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced that four new grades will be introduced, covering the existing sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Beginning in September 2025, schools will start issuing report cards that offer parents a detailed evaluation of school performance, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of inspections and promoting continuous improvement, the announcement stated.

The adjustment comes after discussions with educational stakeholders and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following an Ofsted evaluation that demoted her Caversham Primary School in Reading from "outstanding" to "inadequate" due to issues with safeguarding.

In 2022, it was determined through a coroner's inquest that the inspection procedures played a role in her demise

The Department for Education stated that simplistic, single phrase ratings do not offer a just and precise evaluation of a school's overall performance, and this adjustment will aid in removing obstacles to opportunity.

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On the topic of education, Secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke to Sky News on the "Breakfast with Kay Burley" show, stating, "Today we are implementing this change as I think it's crucial for parents to have better insights into what is happening in our schools, because the current system is failing."

"The risks are too great, and it lacks a clear emphasis on improving our educational standards. This is crucial as I desire every child to receive an excellent education and a strong foundation for their future."

The new Labour administration has made reform a key priority, committing to enhance public education quality and increase funding by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today’s declaration, the government committed to focusing on enhancement strategies for schools that are underperforming, opting to support them directly instead of just altering their leadership.

Starting in early 2025, regional enhancement groups will be deployed to assist schools that are struggling, focusing on improving their areas of deficiency.

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In situations where schools are deemed significantly deficient, thus receiving an inadequate rating, the government will maintain its policy of intervention.

The Department for Education (DfE) mentioned that one option might be to implement an academy order, compelling maintained schools to transition into academies, possibly leading to a change in management in certain cases.

Ms. Phillipson previously stated: "It is abundantly evident that we must reform Ofsted to ensure consistently high and improving standards for every child in every school."

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"Eliminating headline grades marks a significant transformation and a pivotal point for students, families, and educators."

She noted that single headline grades provide "minimal information for parents and significant consequences for schools."

"Our report cards aim to give parents a more comprehensive and transparent view of school performance."

"The administration is committed to enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of inspections to foster advancements in schools. We pledged to bring about reform, and we are fulfilling that commitment."

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Changes 'might be more extensive'

The statement was made as students head back to school this week.

The elimination of standalone headline grades will be implemented in state schools scheduled for inspection during this academic year. It is anticipated that other institutions, including independent schools and colleges, will adopt this change subsequently.

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Teaching unions have expressed their approval for the plans, which they have been advocating for as necessary reforms for some time.

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, expressed approval, stating, "We have consistently emphasized that simplistic single-word evaluations are detrimental, and we are gratified that the government has acted quickly to eliminate them."

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Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged the government's correct course of action but suggested that they could do more to dispel the myth that turning into an academy is the sole way to enhance our schools.

"Although today's declarations mark significant progress, without comprehensive reform to address the core issues of the failing accountability system, educators and school administrators will still be operating within an inherently defective system," he stated.

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