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

Immediate Removal of Single-Word Ofsted Ratings for Schools

This decision comes after consultations with educational professionals and relatives of headteacher Ruth Perry, who tragically died by suicide following an Ofsted evaluation.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 08:

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

Before, the academic oversight body assigned 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 grading system that will apply to four specific areas: quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Starting September 2025, schools will begin issuing report cards, offering parents a detailed evaluation of school performance and helping to enhance the efficacy of inspections in promoting advancements, according to the announcement.

The adjustment comes 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 regarding 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 ratings do not offer a just or precise evaluation of a school's overall performance, and that this adjustment will aid in removing obstacles to opportunities.

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

"The risks are too great, and it lacks a precise emphasis on improving quality in our educational institutions. This is crucial as I desire for every child to receive an excellent education and a strong foundation for their future."

The new Labour administration has made it a primary goal to improve public education and to increase funding by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government revealed its strategy to focus on enhancing schools that are underperforming, opting to improve existing structures instead of switching management.

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

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In situations where schools are found to be severely lacking, the government will maintain its involvement.

The Department for Education explained that this process might involve implementing an academy order, compelling state schools to convert into academies, potentially resulting in a change of management in certain cases.

Earlier, Ms. Phillipson stated, "It is abundantly clear that we must reform Ofsted to ensure high and continually improving standards for every child in every school."

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"Eliminating top-level grading represents a significant change and a pivotal event for students, families, and educators."

She noted that simplistic headline grades provide minimal information to parents while carrying significant consequences for schools.

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

"The administration is committed to enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of inspections to foster advancements in schools. We pledged to bring about transformation, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

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Changes 'might be more extensive'

The news arrives as students head back to school this week.

Single headline grades will no longer be issued for state schools undergoing inspections 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 their approval of the plans, having advocated for changes for some time.

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, expressed approval, stating: "We have consistently emphasized that basic one-word evaluations are detrimental, and we are gratified that the government has acted quickly to eliminate them."

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Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government has made a commendable choice but emphasized that they could do more by dismissing the misconception that turning into an academy is the sole way to enhance our schools.

"While today's declarations mark a significant move forward, without comprehensive and fundamental changes to overhaul the underlying issues of the flawed accountability system, teachers and school administrators will still be operating within an imperfect framework," he stated.

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