Revolution in School Evaluations: UK Scraps One-Word Ofsted Ratings Following Tragic Catalyst

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

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

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8

Single-word Ofsted evaluations for public schools have been immediately discontinued, a decision that is being celebrated as a "significant milestone for children."

Previously, the academic regulatory body would assign 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 a new system where four grades will be assigned within the current sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Starting in September 2025, school report cards will be implemented, offering parents a detailed evaluation of school performance and enhancing the efficiency of inspections in promoting advancements, the statement noted.

The adjustment comes after consultations with educational authorities 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, a coroner's inquiry determined that the inspection procedures played a role in her passing.

The Department for Education stated that simplistic single phrase grades do not offer a just or precise evaluation of a school's overall performance, and that this reform will aid in overcoming obstacles to opportunity.

Further Details on Bridget Phillipson

Starting next week, free childcare will be provided for children as young as nine months, though the implementation may face some hurdles.

Education secretary cautions that parents might not secure their preferred spots in free childcare programs.

Schools to educate students on identifying disinformation and harmful conspiracy theories on the internet following recent disturbances

Associated Subjects:

On the "Breakfast with Kay Burley" show on Sky News, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, "Today, we are implementing this reform because I think it's important for parents to have better insight into what is happening in our schools, as the current system is simply not effective."

"The risks are too great, and it lacks a clear emphasis on improving quality in our educational institutions. This is crucial because 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, promising 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, moving away from strategies that involve changing leadership.

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

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

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

The Department for Education (DfE) noted that this might involve mandating an academy order, compelling maintained schools to convert into academies, potentially resulting in a shift to different management.

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

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News app at no cost

Discover further details on Sky News: Adele announces a significant hiatus from her music career; an extremist organization associated with a plan targeting a Taylor Swift concert expands its reach.

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

She noted that summarizing performance with just one overall grade provides minimal information for parents while having significant consequences for schools.

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

"This administration is committed to enhancing and increasing the transparency of inspections to effectively foster advancements in schools. We pledged to bring about reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser

Proposed changes 'might be more extensive'

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

The elimination of individual headline ratings will affect state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, and it is anticipated that private schools and colleges will also adopt this change.

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and globally 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, expressed satisfaction with the government's prompt removal of simplistic single-word evaluations, stating, "We have consistently emphasized that such simplistic assessments are damaging."

👆 Click here to subscribe to the Sky News Daily podcast for a 20-minute daily update on the most important news stories 🚀

Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government made a correct choice, but he suggested that they could do more by abandoning the misconception that turning schools into academies is the sole way to achieve necessary educational enhancements.

"Today's updates are a positive move forward, yet without comprehensive reform to address the underlying issues of the faulty accountability system, educators and school administrators will still be operating within an imperfect structure," he stated.

Tune into The Politics Hub on Sky News tonight at 7pm.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Television Networks

Additional Sky Websites