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25 June 2026

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Opinion

Can we get some clear messaging from Ofsted on exclusions?

Ofsted is giving mixed messages to schools about exclusions, and it’s only going to push the problem underground, says Mark Lehain Recent years have seen ever greater attempts by Ofsted to be more transparent in its decision making, and engage more widely with professionals and the public. Being able to interact with senior staff at […]

Ofsted could do more to reward schools for being inclusive

Amanda Spielman can make Ofsted a force for good by ensuring that in the new framework, no school can be outstanding unless they can also demonstrate they are inclusive, says Adam Boddison This morning, Ofsted published their annual report and it was good to see consideration given to learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  […]

A lack of sponsors? Simple, ditch compulsory academisation

Today’s annual report by HMCI Amanda Spielman covers a lot of ground, but let’s pick up here on one important section that shows starkly the flaw in the government’s policy of compulsory academisation. The report points out that the turnaround rates for underperforming schools remain too slow and that a lack of sponsor capacity means […]

Ofsted’s two-in-one annual report

This year’s annual report is notable for the skilful way in which the politics was managed – although the biggest challenge is still to come, says Jonathan Simons The publication of the Ofsted annual report is always an important moment in the educational policy calendar. And while it is theoretically merely a summary of the […]

Why is Ofsted silent on the school funding crisis?

If Ofsted is happy to rely on anecdotal evidence for off-rolling and school readiness, why does it refuse to speak out on the school funding crisis, the impacts of which are clear as day, asks Paul Whiteman Ofsted’s annual report describes a school system that is performing well but is under significant strain. The number […]

If we don’t know when teaching interventions have failed, we’ll never improve

In theory everyone thinks it’s a good idea, but why are schools not embracing evaluation more fully when its impact can be so huge, wonders Stuart Kime The English education system has a pretty strange – perhaps dysfunctional – relationship with evaluation, although I don’t think that we’re unique in this. We talk about it […]

Schools must be prepared for pupil-on-pupil sexual assault

It’s an uncomfortable subject for many, but a recent court case has highlighted the need for schools to have robust guidelines in place that address the problem of sexual abuse perpetrated by young children, says Emma Bannister Dean With Barnardo’s reporting to the House of Commons science and technology committee that children as young as […]

How can schools be supported to take on apprentices?

Schools paying into the apprenticeship levy need advice on how to access it so they can reap its benefits for staff training, argues David Cobb At a time when the headlines are awash with schools’ struggles for funding, since May 2017 some £225 million has been taken from schools in the shape of the apprenticeship […]

Who has the power to ban academy trustees?

Leora Cruddas explores the ethical and legal implications of removing unsuitable trustees On Wednesday last week, the Public Accounts Committee held its second session into academy finances. The themes explored were wide-ranging. One of these was the proposed “banning” of trustees who are found to misuse public money. It is absolutely right that the Education […]