By Gavin Mackintosh-
A recent survey of 1,890 school leaders conducted by the NAHT school leaders’ union has exposed deep-rooted skepticism among education professionals regarding the reliability of headline grades awarded by Ofsted.
A staggering 85% of school leaders expressed “unconfidence” in the efficacy of Ofsted, raising serious questions about the watchdog’s reputation and methodology.
These findings, unveiled on the day of Amanda Spielman’s final annual report as the chief inspector of Ofsted, paint a concerning picture of how educational leaders perceive the regulatory body. Only one-fifth of the surveyed school leaders believed that Ofsted inspection reports provide useful information for parents.
Additionally, nearly two-thirds (64%) disagreed with the reliability of the headline grade given by Ofsted for a school’s overall effectiveness.
The survey, conducted in September and October, sheds light on the growing discontent within the education sector.
When asked about their feelings regarding their school’s next Ofsted inspection, school leaders responded with words like anxious, sick, stressed, terrified, and dread—indicating the overwhelming stress and negativity associated with the inspection process.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, did not mince words, calling the survey results a “damning indictment” of Ofsted’s current state. He emphasized that inspections are perceived as inaccurate, unreliable, and of little use to parents or schools. Whiteman stated.
“Ofsted is clearly no longer fit for purpose, even after the limited changes it was forced to make in the wake of the Ruth Perry tragedy.”
The tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry in January, following an Ofsted report that downgraded her school, has intensified calls for a revamp of the school ratings system.
Perry’s family believes she took her own life due to the stress caused by the drastic rating change at Caversham Primary School in Reading. An inquest into her death is set to begin next week.
The Beyond Ofsted inquiry, chaired by former schools minister Lord Knight and sponsored by the National Education Union (NEU), has echoed the need for “transformational change” within Ofsted.
Another report from the Institute for Public Policy Research criticized the “overly simplistic” school inspection judgments, pointing out their role in triggering abrupt changes in school management, reminiscent of a “football manager culture.”
Ofsted has also for a while faced criticisms for failing to respond to complaints from school heads in a timely manner, and some times, not at all.
It is hoped its eventual new head significantly improves the inspectorate’s competence and reputation.
In response to the survey and recent criticisms, an Ofsted spokesperson emphasized the importance of inspections in maintaining high standards for children’s education.
They asserted that inspections should be a positive experience for school leaders and headteachers and highlighted that nine out of ten schools believe inspections will help them improve.