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

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

The 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 08:47

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

Before, the school inspection authority issued one of four possible ratings to schools it evaluated: outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.

Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has introduced a new grading system, assigning four levels across the existing areas of evaluation: quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Starting in September 2025, new school report cards will be rolled out, offering parents a detailed overview of school performance and enhancing the impact of inspections on promoting advancements, the announcement detailed.

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, a coroner determined that the inspection procedure 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. They believe that altering this will assist in removing obstacles to opportunities.

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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 crucial for parents to have greater insight into the activities within our schools, as the current system is failing."

"The risks are too significant, and it lacks a clear emphasis on improving our schools' quality. 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 improve public education quality and increase funding by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its focus on enhancing programs for schools that are underperforming, opting to improve existing systems instead of altering their leadership.

Starting in early 2025, regional enhancement groups will be deployed to assist schools that are struggling, focusing on improving areas where they are underperforming.

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In situations where schools are found to be severely lacking, the government will maintain its policy of stepping in.

The Department for Education (DfE) mentioned that measures might involve issuing an academy order, compelling maintained schools to convert into academies, potentially resulting in a shift to new management.

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

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"Eliminating headline grades represents a significant change and a pivotal moment for students, families, and educators."

She also mentioned that solitary headline scores provide "minimal details 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."

"This administration is committed to enhancing and increasing transparency in school inspections to stimulate educational advancements. We pledged to implement reforms, and we are now fulfilling those commitments."

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Changes 'might extend beyond current scope'

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

Single headline grades will be eliminated for state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, with plans for similar changes to be implemented in independent schools and colleges in the future.

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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, stated: "We have consistently argued that simplistic, single-word evaluations are damaging, and we welcome the government's prompt decision to eliminate them."

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Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, commented that although the new administration has "made the correct choice," there is still room for them to completely "dispel the myth that turning into an academy is the sole way to achieve the necessary enhancements in our schools."

"Although today's declarations mark a significant move forward, without comprehensive and fundamental changes to overhaul the underlying faults of the broken accountability system, teachers and school leaders will still operate within an imperfect system," he stated.

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