Revolution in School Ratings: Ofsted Scraps One-Word Judgements in Landmark Education Reform

Immediate removal of single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools

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

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8

State schools will no longer receive single-word Ofsted ratings, effective immediately, in a decision celebrated as a "significant milestone for children."

Before, the educational oversight body would assign one of four ratings to the schools it reviewed: outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.

Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has introduced a new grading system. Four distinct grades will now be assigned in the following sub-categories: quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Starting in September 2025, schools will begin issuing report cards that offer parents a detailed overview of school performance and aim to enhance the efficiency of inspections in fostering improvements, the statement noted.

The adjustment comes after consultations with educational stakeholders and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who tragically ended her life 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 inquiry by the coroner 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 and precise evaluation of a school's overall performance, and that the alteration will aid in removing obstacles to opportunity.

Additional Information on Bridget Phillipson

Starting next week, free childcare services will be extended to include infants as young as nine months. However, the implementation of this program may face some obstacles.

Education secretary cautions that parents might not secure their preferred options for no-cost childcare spots.

Students will learn to identify false information and harmful conspiracy theories on the internet following recent disturbances.

On the Topic of Education:

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

"The risks are too significant, and it lacks a clear emphasis on improving quality in our educational institutions. This is crucial as I am committed to ensuring every child receives an excellent education and a strong foundation for their future."

The new Labour government has made it a key goal to improve public education and plans to increase funding by implementing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its focus on enhancing programs for schools that are underperforming, instead of opting to change their management.

Starting in early 2025, regional enhancement groups will be deployed to assist 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, the government will maintain its policy of stepping in.

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

Ms. Phillipson previously stated, "It is abundantly evident that reforming Ofsted is essential to promote consistently high and improving 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 at Sky News: Adele plans extended hiatus from music; How a terror organization associated with a Taylor Swift concert scheme is expanding its reach.

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

She noted that giving schools a single summary grade provides limited information for parents while having significant consequences for schools.

"Parents should have access to a more detailed, comprehensive understanding of school performance – that's the purpose of our report cards."

"This administration is committed to transforming inspection into a more effective and transparent mechanism to advance school enhancement. We pledged reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Proposed changes might be more extensive

The news was released as students head back to school this week.

The elimination of standalone headline grades will affect state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, with plans for similar changes to be implemented in settings such as independent schools and colleges in the future.

Stay informed about the most recent developments both in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Teaching unions have expressed their support 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 emphasized that simplistic one-word judgments are detrimental, and we are gratified that the government has acted quickly to eliminate them."

👈 Click here to subscribe to the Sky News Daily podcast for daily 20-minute updates on the most significant news stories 👉

Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government made a correct choice but suggested they could do more by abandoning the misconception 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 reform to repair the underlying issues of the faulty accountability system, educators and school administrators will still be operating within an imperfect framework," 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