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

Immediate removal of single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools

This adjustment comes after consultations with educational stakeholders and relatives of Ruth Perry, a headteacher who tragically ended her life following an Ofsted review.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 08:

Single-word Ofsted ratings for public schools have been immediately discontinued in a decision celebrated as a "significant milestone for children."

Before, the academic oversight body gave one of four ratings to the schools it reviewed: exceptional, satisfactory, needs enhancement, or unsatisfactory.

Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced that four new grades will be implemented across the current 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 and aim to enhance the impact of inspections on promoting progress, the statement said.

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

In 2022, an inquiry by a coroner determined 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 that this adjustment will aid in eliminating obstacles to opportunities.

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Speaking on Sky News' Breakfast with Kay Burley, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, "Today, we are implementing this change as I think it's vital for parents to have better insights into the activities of our schools, as the current system is failing."

"The stakes are too high, and it lacks a precise emphasis on improving our schools' quality. 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 priority, committing to enhance public education quality and increase funding by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its commitment to enhancing programs for schools that are underperforming, shifting focus away from management changes.

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

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In situations where schools would have received an inadequate rating, indicating significant issues, the government will maintain its policy of intervention.

The Department for Education (DfE) stated that this process might involve implementing an academy order, compelling maintained schools to transition into academies, potentially under new management in certain cases.

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 headline grades represents a transformative change and a significant milestone for students, families, and educators."

She noted that simplified grading systems provide minimal information for parents while carrying significant consequences for schools.

"Parents should have access to a more comprehensive and transparent overview of school performance, which is exactly what our report cards aim to offer."

"This administration is committed to transforming inspection into a stronger, more open means of fostering enhancement in schools. We pledged reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

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Changes 'might extend more'

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

The elimination of standalone headline grades will be implemented in state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, with plans for similar changes to be extended to independent schools and colleges subsequently.

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Teaching unions have expressed support for the plans, having advocated for changes for some time.

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, expressed satisfaction with the government's quick response to their concerns, stating: "We have consistently argued that simplistic single-word evaluations are damaging, and we are gratified to see them eliminated."

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Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government made a correct choice but emphasized that more could be done. He argued against the misconception that turning schools into academies is the sole solution for achieving necessary educational enhancements.

"Today's declarations mark a significant move forward, yet without comprehensive reforms to address the core issues of the flawed accountability system, educators and school administrators will still be operating within an imperfect framework," he noted.

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