Almost half ‘outstanding’ schools downgraded by Ofsted England

Over one in 10 schools have fell to “requires improvement” or “inadequate” ratings, according to new Ofsted figures released today.

Until recently, schools rated “Outstanding” were not required to undergo regular inspections, meaning that many of the recently downgraded ones had not been inspected for a decade or more.

The data shows that in the three months up to 30November, 47% of “Outstanding” schools have been downgrade following a new inspection this term.

36% of these 99 schools were downrated to “good”, 9% fell two categories to “requires improvement” and 2% were found to be the lowest ranking, “inadequate.”

However overall grade profiles for all schools has improved even despite Covid disruption, Ofsted has said. 83% of schools inspected were found to be good or outstanding between September and November this year, compared with 77% between September 2019 and March 2020 when the pandemic disrupted previously scheduled inspections.

Commenting on data published today by Ofsted, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“Today’s data release from Ofsted shows that schools and colleges are doing an incredible job in ensuring the education of children and young people continues throughout the pandemic. This is in spite of patchy and frequently unhelpful advice from Government, too often delivered late or during unsocial hours.

“Routine inspections have been an ​unnecessary distraction during this term. Schools have, in too many cases, felt under pressure to divert their time towards preparing for inspection rather than continuing to prioritise support for pupils’ learning. Visits also have a huge impact on the stress and workload of already beleaguered school staff.

“Government has recognised this and has at least paused inspections until January, but they must go further. That is why the National Education Union, alongside the NASUWT, wrote to the education secretary last week calling for a pause on Ofsted inspection until at least after February half-term.

“Education recovery is the most vital work of schools and colleges right now. The rise of Omicron will contribute yet further to the disruption of education, which makes a focus on recovery all the more important. Now is not the time for Ofsted to intrude on the essential service that teachers, leaders and support staff are providing. The inspectorate is simply a burden and should get out of the way.”