Opinion

Is having a go at northern schools part of Michael Wilshaw’s job description?

Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw yesterday criticised schools in the north west – but was he within his remit...

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
Opinion

‘Can I fail Ofsted if a child I teach goes to fight in Syria?’

Despite Ofsted’s changes to the framework, we are already doing what we can – and how is this new...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

Let’s give Ofsted’s short inspections two cheers (for now)

The lighter-touch regime is a welcome move, but why is the chief inspector still obsessing over pupils being well...

Colin Richards
Colin Richards
Opinion

The truth behind the Ramadan exams saga

Over the past two weeks many stories have been written about exam dates changing to accommodate Ramadan. The stories...

Nick Linford
Nick Linford
Opinion

You don’t need to be paid to do a professional job

Sir Michael Wilshaw is right: governors need professional development. But he’s wrong about the money. It would be a...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

Ofsted says you can see their evidence – but should you ask?

Complaints about schools inspectorate Ofsted are ten-a-penny. It was therefore a shame to see good news buried in the...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

Governors might be in danger of getting too much attention

As a chair of governors I agree with Michael Wilshaw’s commentary that “Governance is an issue that does not...

Colin Richards
Colin Richards
Opinion

Ofsted’s Michael Wilshaw praised primaries – but missed some important points

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector had positive words for primary schools in his first monthly address – but was it as...

Colin Richards
Colin Richards
Opinion

The inspectors can’t make 102 school judgments AND worry about governors

The new governance section in the School Inspection Handbook is more helpful and realistic for governors than it is for inspectors...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips