Opinion

White Paper: ‘Control freakery to the left of me, neglect to the right’

Education Excellence Everywhere is the title of the government’s education White Paper published today. Although it lacks the excitement...

Sophie Scott
Sophie Scott
Opinion

White Paper: Why should Ofsted inspect at all?

Educational Excellence Everywhere is full of fascinating, contentious and highly problematic proposals on a whole range of issues. Here,...

Sophie Scott
Sophie Scott
Opinion

A former minister’s view: thoughts on the school-led system

Five areas need to be given priority if schools-led system is to become a reality English schools have a...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
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