The UK government has announced an immediate end to the use of one or two-word Ofsted inspection grades for England’s schools, such as “Outstanding,” “Good,” “Requires Improvement,” and “Inadequate.” This decision follows the heartbreaking case of headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life in 2023 after receiving news that her school would be rated as “Inadequate.” The change aims to reduce the high stakes associated with these grades and provide parents with a clearer picture of school performance.
Despite the removal of the overall grade categories, Ofsted will continue to inspect schools against the same standards, detailing specific aspects of how a school is performing, just as they do now. The move comes after an inquest found that Ofsted’s judgement contributed to Mrs Perry’s death, prompting calls for reform from educators, politicians, and parents alike. Mrs Perry’s sister, Prof Julia Waters, who has been campaigning for the removal of these simplified grades, expressed relief, saying the single-word judgement severely impacted her sister’s mental health.
The new approach will involve detailed report cards that describe what inspectors find in schools, allowing for a more nuanced assessment of factors like quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, highlighted the need for reform to maintain high standards while reducing the immense pressure placed on school leaders. School improvement teams are expected to be established across all areas by early next year, ensuring continuous support and accountability for struggling schools.
This overhaul of Ofsted’s grading system has been welcomed by many in the education sector, with organisations like Parentkind and the National Association of Headteachers praising the decision to move away from “simplistic one-word judgements.” However, there remains some opposition, with critics arguing that the lack of a clear headline grade may make it harder for parents to quickly understand a school’s performance.
For more updates on this story and other changes in UK education, explore our coverage on EyeOnLondon and read about how these reforms aim to support headteachers, students, and parents across the country. For a deeper look at Ofsted’s evolving inspection practices and the latest updates, you can visit Ofsted’s official website.
