Government Rejects Calls to Scrap Single-Word Ofsted Judgments

The government has rejected calls to scrap Ofsted’s single-word judgments, arguing they have “significant benefits.” The Department for Education (DfE) said an assessment system without overall effectiveness grades, such as “outstanding” or “inadequate,” would fail to provide adequate information for parents. Ofsted’s school inspection system operates on a four-point scale and includes “outstanding,” “good,” “requires improvement,” and “inadequate” grades. Inspectors make the judgments on the effectiveness of school leadership, quality of teaching, personal development, and outcomes for pupils. Ofsted grading also allows the government and other stakeholders to track the progress of schools across the country and recognise the “hard work” of teachers, the DfE said....