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14 April 2026

Tag: Amanda Spielman

Ofsted’s 2020-21 annual report and accounts: 8 things we learned

Ofsted has published its corporate annual report and accounts, laying bare how the watchdog’s work has changed in an unprecedented year in which most of its functions were scaled back. The document focuses on the inspectorate’s performance, and is not the same as the official annual report to Parliament each year, which focuses on inspection […]

Spielman: It’s not unfair deprived schools get lower grades

Ofsted’s chief inspector has denied it is “unfair” that deprived schools are more likely to receive lower grades than those in more affluent areas. Amanda Spielman appeared at the Festival of Education yesterday and was quizzed over the controversial issue. She had previously stated the problem was offset as poorer schools often out-performed their richer […]

Ofsted chief: Teachers should not be policed by ‘militant activism’

Teachers should not be policed by “self-appointed moral guardians” or be forced to change the way they teach in the face of “militant activism”,  the chief inspector of Ofsted has warned. Amanda Spielman told the Festival of Education today that while activism that broadens debate and brings about long-term change was welcome, she worried about […]

An inset day on sexual abuse ‘won’t cut it’, says Spielman

Amanda Spielman has warned schools that a one-off safeguarding inset day alone “won’t cut it” as the sector looks to address sexual abuse and harassment among pupils. In response to Ofsted’s review of sex abuse in schools, the Department for Education pledged to “encourage” schools to include relationship, health and sex education curriculum and safeguarding […]

Spielman: Don’t ‘chop out’ safeguarding from Ofsted, give us cash to inspect it properly

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman has rejected calls to “chop out” safeguarding from Ofsted’s remit, and said the watchdog could do more with increased funding. Spielman was questioned by the Parliamentary education committee this morning following the release last week of Ofsted’s review into school sex abuse. The review accused school leaders and teachers of “consistently […]

Ofsted: No mark-down if schools let year 11s leave early

Ofsted has clarified schools won’t be marked down for letting their year 11 cohort leave before the end of the academic year, despite its chief inspector raising concerns over the practice. Amanda Spielman told The Guardian last week that it was “concerning” to see secondary schools allowing pupils to end the summer term early due […]

Spielman bags two more years as Ofsted chief inspector

Amanda Spielman has been given two extra years in the role of Ofsted chief inspector, the Department for Education has confirmed. Schools Week revealed earlier this month that the extension had been agreed by government but was awaiting Privy Council signoff. The DfE confirmed today that it is going ahead. Spielman joined the watchdog in […]

Spielman says deprived schools’ lower grades offset by leadership praise

Amanda Spielman has claimed Ofsted recognises the ‘relative strength’ of schools in poorer areas by rating their leadership more highly – after admitting schools in more affluent areas are awarded better grades. The chief inspector said Ofsted has looked at the judgment profiles for schools with various levels of disadvantaged intakes, finding that overall judgments […]