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4 August 2026

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Opinion

Does Ofsted’s draft inspection framework pass the inclusion test?

The beefed up focus on special needs and disabilities in Ofsted’s draft inspection framework is welcome, but there’s more they could do if they really want to incentivise schools to be inclusive, notes Adam Boddison Earlier this year, I made the case that under Ofsted’s education inspection framework (EIF) no school should be able to […]

Six things we’ve learnt from Ofsted’s new draft inspection framework

Following the publication of Ofsted’s plans for the future of education inspection in England, Ian Hartwright shares his thoughts on the new arrangements 1. Curriculum focus Schools can expect a big shift in emphasis from inspectors in school, ending an obsession with the scrutiny of pupil data and moving to a greater professional discussion on […]

Grammar school opponents need to find some new arguments

The public wants more grammar schools and the academics who oppose them are ignoring some of their arguments in their favour, says Nick Hillman More than half a century after they were all meant to have been killed off, England still has 163 grammar schools. Those that are left are like a baddie in a […]

How can schools reduce teacher sickness?

Hands up if you were ill over Christmas and New Year? If you stayed healthy, then well done you. About half of teachers get sick during the holidays, according to our Teacher Tapp survey data, so be aware it might get you next time! Why are teachers so prone to Christmas illness? In part, it […]

What are the top 3 priorities for teacher recruitment in 2019?

A focus on professional development will get us closer to where we need to be, says Emma Hollis Last year was one of great promise for those of us working in initial teacher training. At the heart of that promise was the Department for Education (DfE) consultation on strengthening qualified teacher status and improving career […]

How can schools lodge a complaint against an Ofsted judgment?

The Court of Appeal last month found in favour of Ofsted against Durand Academy’s challenge to its procedure. In the light of the court’s decision, Katie Michelon lists the steps you should consider if you want to make a complaint against the inspectorate The Court of Appeal ruled last month that Ofsted’s complaints procedure is […]

Is there such a thing as too much education data?

We need to become more nuanced in our reactions to research findings, says Timo Hannay We are awash in data about education. The Department for Education routinely releases information about schools in England, covering everything from academic attainment and pupil demographics to school staffing and finances. (Schools in other parts of the UK are administered […]

Don’t blame independent schools for choosing IGCSEs

Don’t blame independent schools for sometimes choosing ICGSEs, says Shaun Fenton The political football that is IGCSEs has been kicked around the pitch again, amidst cries of “foul” and “unfair, referee!” Independent schools were lined up to compete with state schools, despite the teams having no real heart in the game and the spectators – […]

Let’s stick with academies rather than twisting again

Let’s not use the latest Sutton Trust report to argue about school structures – headteachers just want to get on with the job, says Julie McCulloch Academisation is one of those subjects which produces polarised views. Its rapid expansion is a product of Gove-era ideology and is anathema to some of those on the left who […]