Commenting on the response of the DfE to the House of Commons Education Select Committee inquiry into Ofsted and the use of single-word gradings in school inspections, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:

“The current system of grading schools is damaging to the health, wellbeing and morale of teachers and headteachers and it does nothing to raise educational standards.

“This is not the time for weasel words. Retaining the current system of inspection grading is doing more harm than good.

“The Government is running out of time to ensure there is a fit for purpose system of inspection and accountability. Ministers need to act decisively and with urgency.

“Tinkering with the format of inspection reports will not deliver the fundamental changes that teachers and headteachers say are needed.

Teachers and school leaders will be deeply disappointed and frustrated to hear that the Government has no immediate plans to move away from the current system of single-word gradings in inspections. 

“In our latest Big Question Survey, 62% of teachers told us they feel constantly evaluated and judged, and 43% list inspections as a top concern that detracts them from teaching and learning.

“The Government is more than aware of the harm the current system is causing to our education system and to the welfare of teachers and leaders, but appears to lack the compassion and courage to change course.”