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

Single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools to be eliminated at once

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

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 08:

Ofsted's practice of issuing single-word ratings for public schools is being discontinued immediately, a decision celebrated as a "significant milestone for children."

Before, the academic oversight body assigned one of four ratings to the schools it evaluated: excellent, satisfactory, needs enhancement, and unsatisfactory.

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

Starting in September 2025, schools will begin issuing report cards that offer parents a detailed evaluation of school performance, aimed at enhancing the impact of inspections on encouraging progress, the statement explained.

The decision was made after consultations with educational stakeholders and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following a critical Ofsted evaluation that demoted her Caversham Primary School in Reading from "outstanding" to "inadequate" due to issues with safeguarding.

In 2022, an inquest by a coroner determined that the inspection procedure played a role in her passing.

The Department for Education stated that simplistic, one-word ratings do not offer a just or precise evaluation of a school's overall performance, and that this modification will assist in eliminating obstacles to opportunity.

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Speaking on Sky News’ “Breakfast with Kay Burley,” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced: "Today we are implementing this change as I think it's important for parents to have greater insights into the activities happening in our schools, as the current system is failing to do so.

"The risks are too significant, and it lacks a clear emphasis on enhancing the quality of education in our schools. This is crucial, as I desire for every child to receive an excellent education and a strong foundation for their future."

The new Labour government has made reform a key goal, committing to improve public education and increase funding by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its intention to focus on enhancing programs at schools that are underperforming, instead of simply changing their management.

Starting in early 2025, regional enhancement groups will be deployed to collaborate with schools that are struggling to help improve their areas of deficiency.

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In instances where schools are found to be severely lacking, meriting an inadequate rating, the government will maintain its policy of intervention.

The Department for Education explained that this might involve granting an academy order, compelling state schools to transition into academies, potentially resulting in a shift to different leadership.

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

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"Eliminating overall grade labels represents a significant overhaul and a pivotal point for students, families, and educators."

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

"Parents need a more comprehensive and transparent understanding of school performance, and our report cards aim to deliver just that."

"The administration is committed to enhancing the role of inspection, making it a stronger, clearer force for advancing school progress. We pledged reform, and we are now fulfilling that promise."

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Changes 'might be more extensive'

The news was released as students make their way back to school this week.

The elimination of individual headline grades will affect state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, with plans for similar changes to be implemented later in other institutions such as private schools and colleges.

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Teaching unions have expressed their approval of the plans, having advocated for changes for a considerable time.

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

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Dr. Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government has made a commendable choice, but he believes that they could extend their efforts beyond the misconception that turning schools into academies is the sole path to enhancing our educational system.

"While today's declarations represent a positive move forward, without comprehensive reform to address the fundamental issues of the flawed accountability system, educators and school administrators will still operate within an imperfect framework," he stated.

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