The head of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has warned that school leaders are being pressurised “to the point of destruction” by the inspections regime in England, as he put the education establishment “on notice”. Speaking at the union’s annual conference in Belfast, Paul Whiteman criticised Ofsted, the schools watchdog, saying it “does not raise standards, nor does it serve children”.
Whiteman’s remarks come after Ofsted introduced a new “Nando’s-style” scorecard inspection framework in November, which has been vigorously opposed by teaching unions. Under the system, schools no longer receive an overall grade but are judged across six inspection areas with a five-point scale. The high court recently dismissed a legal challenge against the new regime, prompting the NAHT to consider industrial action before rowing back after talks with Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE).
The discussions resulted in the creation of an independent advisory group to monitor the impact of the changes on headteachers’ mental health and wellbeing. Whiteman referenced the death of headteacher Ruth Perry in 2023, who killed herself after Ofsted inspectors planned to downgrade her school. An inquest found the inspection was a contributing factor. “Inspection should not be about pressurising dedicated professionals to the point of destruction,” Whiteman said, adding that he was “mad as hell” that lives were being left at unnecessary risk.
Whiteman also praised recent government policies, including the expansion of free school meals, removal of the two-child benefit cap, and the creation of Best Start family hubs. However, he raised concerns about proper funding for reforms to special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision, noting the DfE’s pledge of £4bn for an overhaul. He urged attendees to challenge the “politics of hate and division” and the “deficit narrative” that erodes respect for teachers and schools.
