The real crisis in our school system

For years, each school in England has been put in one of four categories: ‘outstanding’, ‘good’, ‘requires improvement’ and ‘inadequate’. While undoubtedly crude, the system offered clarity to parents. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has now abolished this categorisation structure but not yet said precisely what will replace it. Children are returning to school in the middle of uncertainty.

The National Education Union has long urged schools to ignore Ofsted ratings and to stop referring to them on their gates. Phillipson’s reform seems to nod towards this. But instead of abolishing Ofsted, as the union wants, she should supercharge it – giving it more resources so inspections can be less fleeting, with more follow-ups and advice. Given that a child’s prospects can depend on their school’s performance, it’s clearly vital for parents to know as much as possible.