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Ofsted rigor - outstanding results?

Ofsted rigor – outstanding results?

10 September 2013

The head of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has reported that over the last year the number of schools rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted has risen at an unprecedented rate – up by 9% to 78%. The headline figure is however tarnished by the other figures that showed the number of schools rated as inadequate as staying roughly the same. Ofsted have claimed that their changes to inspection and the replacement of the “satisfactory” rating with “requires improvement” has given a clear message to schools about the need to continually improve.

Whilst this improvement is clearly good news, it may be too simplistic to solely emphasise Ofsted’s role. The education sector is going through great change and the increase in autonomy and accountability, the rise of school to school support through academy chains or federations and trust may well have played a role. Whatever the reason, more good schools will be welcome news to parents, prospective employers and government alike.

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Richard Freeth

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