England’s education watchdog, Ofsted, is moving forward with its new inspection system set to launch in November, despite strong objections from headteachers and union leaders. This revised framework will feature a color-coded report card for parents and introduces “exceptional” as the highest of five grades to be awarded across six specific inspection areas. However, headteachers and unions argue that the proposed system, which includes a grading scale reminiscent of fast-food restaurant reviews, fails to address the stress and pressure faced by educators, comparing it unfavorably to the existing approach.
Julia Waters, the sister of late headteacher Ruth Perry who took her own life following an Ofsted inspection, has described the changes as overly complex and an ineffective rebranding of an already flawed system. Waters, along with trade unions, former inspectors, and mental health professionals, has called on Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to halt the implementation of the new system, arguing that Ofsted has not taken sufficient lessons from Perry’s death.
Under the new inspection regime, Ofsted inspectors will examine a range of school aspects, including curriculum and teaching, attendance, behavior, leadership, and achievement, with each area graded from “exceptional” to “needs attention” or “urgent improvement.” The report card will also reflect on safeguarding standards, though the controversial single-word school ratings have been eliminated. Phillipson states that the new report cards aim to improve educational standards, provide clarity for parents, and offer tools for schools to improve, emphasizing transparency and the well-being of children.
However, critics such as Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, contend that the new system does not adequately address the root causes of stress among educators, highlighted by the suicide of Ruth Perry. Inspection teams under the updated framework will have an extra member and will focus more on inclusion, disadvantaged children, and reducing the workload for school leaders. Despite reservations, some, like Jon Coles, the CEO of United Learning, see potential in the new system for improving parental confidence and educational outcomes. Conversely, shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticizes the move, suggesting it undermines the rigor needed to improve schools.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/sep/09/ofsted-press-ahead-inspection-regime-despite-opposition
