Head teachers at top-rated schools have been instructed to cease what has been described as 'self-indulgent boasting' about their Ofsted ratings, as it exacerbates 'pressure' on those with lower scores. Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the NAHT union, which predominantly represents primary school heads, voiced strong criticism against those who gloat over their inspection results.
Union Leader Criticises Competitive Behaviour
Mr Whiteman also took aim at head teachers who 'compete' to attract pupils, arguing that this means 'enjoying success at the cost of colleagues' failure'. Delivering a speech at the union's annual conference in Belfast, he urged school leaders to stop 'defining' themselves by what he termed 'reductive' Ofsted inspections.
Background of Ofsted Reforms
This intervention follows a year-long campaign by the NAHT against new Ofsted reforms introduced in the autumn. These reforms mean schools are now assessed on a broader range of criteria. The union initiated legal action against these changes last year, claiming they create additional stress for head teachers, but the challenge was unsuccessful.
Mr Whiteman highlighted that 'lives are at risk' due to the pressure of inspections, referencing the tragic death of head teacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life after a negative Ofsted report. Addressing delegates, he stated: 'I am angry, yes mad as hell, that Ofsted, the Government and the judiciary see fit to allow lives to be left at unnecessary risk right now.'
Call for Professional Reflection
He asserted that the 'education establishment is on notice' and would bear 'responsibility' for any further 'tragedy'. However, he added: 'But we must look to ourselves as a profession too. This profession has allowed itself to be defined by inspection and simplistic measures, with new ones seemingly added every day. We talk of collaboration but compete over falling rolls. Enjoying success at the cost of the failure of your colleagues down the road is no cause for celebration. Self-indulgent boasts of those judged exceptional. Offering advice devoid of context on how we can all do it simply does not help, it just adds to pressure. So, I say stop.'
Criticism of Ofsted Regime
Mr Whiteman claimed that Ofsted's regime demands a 'single model of delivery' that 'clobbers good people' regardless of 'human consequences'. He argued that school inspections should 'not be about pressurising dedicated professionals to the point of destruction'.
Reaction from Former Inspector
Reacting to the remarks about 'boasting', Chris McGovern, a retired headteacher and former Ofsted inspector and NAHT member, said: 'The union boss is a snowflake killjoy. Schools are absolutely right to celebrate success and most do so. It can be a good thing to embarrass failing schools if it forces them to improve. The real problem with Ofsted is that its grading of schools is over-generous. Facing up to this truth, rather than covering up failure, is what is in the best interests of children.'
Impact of Tragic Case
Mrs Perry took her own life in 2023 after an Ofsted report downgraded her Caversham Primary School from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns. An inquest into her death found that the inspection was a contributory factor. After Labour came to power, ministers ordered the immediate scrapping of overall single word judgements such as 'outstanding', 'good', 'requires improvement', and 'inadequate'. A wide-ranging overhaul followed, which unions had hoped would make teachers' lives easier. However, the new inspection report cards are more complicated, with a wider range of criteria assessed and each area given one of five grades – with the highest being 'exceptional'.
The Department for Education has been contacted for comment. Ofsted declined to comment.
