Ofsted reveals unacceptable school standards gap

According to their latest review an estimated 2 million pupils are let down by the educational system, says Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw.

Children’s chances of going to a good school depend heavily on what part of the country they live in. Figures published in Ofsted’s review show that in some areas there is a less than 50% chance of a good or outstanding school; however, it reaches up to 90% in others. In other findings, 70% of schools are rated good or outstanding compared with 64% five years ago – showing that half a million children are receiving a better education – but still leaving 2.3 million children in schools “not good enough”.

“While some of these schools are inadequate, most are not; they are just not good enough. There are many reasons for this, but in our experience inconsistency or too much prescription in teaching is almost always at the root,” Wilshaw comments. 

The report also highlights concerns about further education colleges, stating that for the second year in a row, Ofsted did not deem any institution to be outstanding for teaching and learning.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Sir Michael is right that standards in some local authorities are simply not good enough. There are still too many schools that do not provide a good enough education. We make no apology for introducing reforms to drive up standards in schools.

“The report recognises that sponsored academies – with strong leadership and real expertise – are the best way to turn around struggling schools. That is why we are identifying consistently weak schools and allowing experienced academy sponsors to take them over. Academies have already turned around hundreds of struggling schools and are improving their results at twice the national average.”

Eleanor Mackay