Revolution in School Ratings: UK Scraps One-Word Ofsted Grades Following Tragic Catalyst and Sector Consultation

Immediate Cessation of Single-Word Ofsted Evaluations for Schools

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

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 8:

Ofsted's practice of assigning single-word ratings to public schools is being immediately discontinued, a decision that has been celebrated as a pivotal point for young learners.

Before, the educational oversight body assigned one of four ratings to the schools it evaluated: exceptional, satisfactory, needs enhancement, or unsatisfactory.

Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has introduced four new grades that will be assigned to 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 aiding in the enhancement of inspection efficacy to promote betterment, according to the announcement.

The adjustment comes after discussions with educational stakeholders and the 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 related to safeguarding.

In 2022, a coroner's inquest 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 removing obstacles to opportunities.

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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 reform because I am convinced that parents require greater insight into the activities within our schools, as the current system is simply ineffective.

"The stakes are too high, and it lacks a clear emphasis on improving standards in our educational institutions. This is crucial because I wish 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, promising to enhance public education quality and increase funds by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its focus on enhancing support for schools that are underperforming, shifting away from strategies that involve changing leadership.

Starting in early 2025, specialized teams will be deployed regionally to assist schools that are struggling, focusing on improving their areas of deficiency.

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In instances where schools receive the lowest possible rating, indicating severe issues, the government will maintain its policy of intervention.

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

Earlier, Ms. Phillipson remarked, "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 overall grades represents a significant change and a pivotal point for students, families, and educators."

She noted that simplistic summary grades provide minimal details for parents while carrying significant consequences for schools.

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

"This administration is committed to transforming inspections into a more effective and clearer mechanism for advancing school enhancement. We pledged reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

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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 be implemented in state schools scheduled for inspection this academic year, and it is anticipated that private schools and colleges will adopt this change subsequently.

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

Paul Whiteman, the chief of the National Association of Headteachers, expressed satisfaction with the government's prompt response to eliminate simplistic single-word evaluations, stating, "We have consistently emphasized that these are damaging."

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Dr. Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government has made a wise choice, yet he suggested they could do more to dismiss the misleading notion that turning schools into academies is the sole solution for enhancing our education system.

"Although today's declarations mark a significant move forward, without comprehensive and fundamental changes to correct the underlying issues of the faulty accountability system, educators and school administrators will still operate within a flawed framework," he stated.

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