Revolutionary Shift in UK Education: One-Word Ofsted Ratings Scrapped to Foster Fairer School Assessments

Immediate elimination of single-word Ofsted evaluations for schools

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, 8:

Single-word Ofsted ratings for public schools have been immediately discontinued, a decision that is being celebrated as a "turning point for children."

Before, the educational oversight body rated schools it evaluated with one of four possible grades: outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.

Starting this academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) has announced that four new grades will be introduced, evaluating the following areas: quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Starting in September 2025, school report cards will be implemented to offer parents a detailed evaluation of school performance and enhance the impact of inspections on promoting improvements, the announcement stated.

The adjustment comes after consultations 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 related to safeguarding.

In 2022, a coroner's inquest determined that flaws in the inspection procedure 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 this reform will assist in overcoming obstacles to opportunity.

Further Information on Bridget Phillipson

Starting next week, free childcare services will be extended to include children as young as nine months. However, the implementation of this program is expected to face several hurdles.

Education Secretary Cautions Parents Might Not Secure Preferred Free Childcare Spots

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

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke on Sky News' Breakfast with Kay Burley, stating, "We are implementing this change today because I think it's important for parents to have greater 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 our schools' quality. This is crucial because I desire for every child to receive an excellent education and a strong foundation for their future."

The newly elected Labour administration has made reform a key priority, committing to enhance public education quality and to increase funding by imposing a tax on private school tuition fees.

In today's announcement, the government declared its commitment to enhancing schools that are underperforming by focusing on improvement strategies rather than altering their administration.

Starting in early 2025, regional enhancement groups will be established to collaborate with schools that are not meeting performance standards, aiming to improve areas of deficiency.

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

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

The Department for Education (DfE) stated that this process might entail the implementation of an academy order, compelling maintained schools to transition into academies, potentially leading to a change in management in certain cases.

Ms. Phillipson previously stated, "It is unmistakably evident that Ofsted reform 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 application at no cost

Discover additional details on Sky News: Adele plans an extended hiatus from her music career, while a terror organization associated with a scheme at a Taylor Swift concert is expanding its reach.

"Eliminating headline grades represents a historic overhaul and a significant milestone for students, parents, and educators."

She pointed out that giving schools a single overall grade provides "minimal details for parents while having significant implications 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 transforming inspections into a stronger, clearer force for advancing educational enhancement. We pledged reform, and we are now fulfilling that commitment."

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

Changes 'might be more extensive'

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

Single headline grades will be eliminated for state schools undergoing inspections this academic year, with plans for similar changes to be implemented soon in independent schools and colleges.

Stay updated on the most recent developments from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Teaching unions have embraced the plans, having consistently advocated for changes.

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, stated: "We have consistently expressed that simple one-word evaluations 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 major news stories 👈

Dr. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, acknowledged that the new government has made a commendable choice. However, he emphasized that they could expand their efforts beyond the misconception that turning into an academy is the sole solution for the enhancements required in our schools.

"Although today's declarations mark a significant move forward, without comprehensive and fundamental reforms to repair the underlying issues of the faulty accountability system, teachers and school leaders will still be operating within an inherently flawed system," 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