Revolution in School Assessments: UK Scraps One-Word Ofsted Ratings Amid Calls for Comprehensive Reform

Immediate removal of single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools announced

This decision comes after consultations with educational professionals and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, whose death by suicide was linked to an Ofsted review.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8

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

Before, the educational oversight body designated one of four ratings to schools during evaluations: excellent, satisfactory, needs improvement, or unsatisfactory.

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

Starting in September 2025, new school report cards will be implemented to offer parents a detailed evaluation of school performance and to enhance the effectiveness of inspections in promoting improvements, the announcement stated.

The adjustment comes after consultations 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 related to safeguarding.

In 2022, an investigation by a coroner determined that flaws in the inspection procedures played a role in her demise.

The Department for Education stated that simplistic single phrase grades do not offer a just and precise evaluation of a school's overall performance. They added that the modification will assist in overcoming obstacles to opportunities.

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On the topic of education, Secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke on Sky News' "Breakfast with Kay Burley," stating, "Today we are implementing this change as I think it's vital for parents to have greater insights into the activities within our schools, since the current system is failing."

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

The transformation of public schooling is a key priority for the newly elected Labour administration, committed to enhancing educational quality and increasing funds by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its focus on enhancing support for schools that are underperforming, moving away from its previous strategy of altering their management.

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

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In instances where schools are found to be severely lacking, resulting in an inadequate rating, the government will maintain its involvement.

The Department for Education (DfE) stated that this process might involve implementing an academy order, compelling maintained schools to convert into academies, potentially leading to a change in management under certain conditions.

Ms. Phillipson previously stated, "It is abundantly evident that Ofsted reforms are essential to elevate and maintain high standards for every child in every school."

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"Eliminating headline grades represents a significant overhaul and a pivotal moment for students, parents, and educators."

She noted that simplistic headline grades provide minimal information for parents while carrying significant consequences for schools.

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

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

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"Changes might be more extensive"

The news is being shared as students head back to school this week.

The elimination of isolated headline grades will be implemented in state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, and it is anticipated that independent schools and colleges will adopt this change thereafter.

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Teaching unions have expressed 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, stated, "We have consistently expressed that simple one-word assessments are damaging, 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 that the new government has made a commendable choice, yet he emphasized that they could extend their efforts beyond the misconception that turning into an academy is the sole path to achieving the necessary enhancements in our schools.

"He said that while today's announcements are a positive move forward, without comprehensive reform to address the fundamental issues of the faulty accountability system, teachers and school leaders will still operate within a defective system."

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