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

Ofsted to eliminate single-word school evaluations effective immediately

This modification comes after consultations with educational professionals and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, whose suicide followed an Ofsted review.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 08:

The practice of assigning single-word Ofsted ratings to public schools has been immediately abolished, a decision that is being celebrated as a significant milestone for young students.

Before, the academic oversight body assigned 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 introduced four new grades that will be applied to the current sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Starting in September 2025, new school report cards will be launched, offering parents a detailed evaluation of school performance and enhancing the efficiency of inspections in promoting advancements, according to the announcement.

The decision was made after consultations with educational stakeholders and the 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, a coroner's inquiry determined that 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, and that this modification will aid in overcoming obstacles to opportunity.

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On the subject of education, Secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke to Sky News on the "Breakfast with Kay Burley" show, stating: "Today, we are implementing this modification as I am convinced that parents require greater insight into the happenings within our schools, given that the current system is failing."

"The risks are too great, and it lacks a clear emphasis on enhancing the quality of education 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 new Labour administration has made reform a key goal, promising to enhance public education quality and increase funds by implementing a tax on private school tuition.

In today's announcement, the government declared its focus on enhancing programs for schools that are underperforming, shifting away from strategies that involve altering their administration.

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

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In situations where schools are deemed insufficient, the government will maintain its policy of intervention for those most critically in need.

The Department for Education (DfE) stated that measures may involve granting an academy order, compelling maintained schools to transition into academies, potentially under new leadership.

Ms. Phillipson previously stated: "It is abundantly evident that reforming Ofsted is necessary to elevate and maintain high standards for every child in every school."

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"Eliminating headline grades marks a significant generational shift and a pivotal moment for students, parents, and educators."

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

Parents need a more comprehensive and transparent understanding of school performance, and that's exactly what our report cards aim to offer.

"The administration is set to transform inspections into a more effective, more open means of fostering enhancements in schools. We committed to reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

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Changes 'might be more extensive'

The news coincides with students heading back to school this week.

The elimination of individual headline grades will affect state schools scheduled for inspection in the current academic year, with plans for similar changes to be implemented in independent schools and colleges subsequently.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from both the UK and international scenes by tuning into Sky News.

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

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, commented, "We have consistently stated 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 that the new government has made a commendable decision, but he stressed that they could extend their efforts beyond the misconception that turning schools into academies is the sole way to achieve necessary educational enhancements.

"While today's announcements represent a positive move forward, without comprehensive reform to address the underlying issues of the dysfunctional accountability system, educators and school administrators will still be operating within an inherently flawed framework," he stated.

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