'Outstanding' schools no longer exempt from Ofsted inspections

“Outstanding” schools will no longer be exempt from Ofsted inspections, it was announced today.

The department for education will remove the exemption from routine inspections that currently applies to schools rated outstanding by Ofsted, subject to parliamentary approval.

It means that from January outstanding schools will be inspected in the same way as other schools.

Currently outstanding schools are only inspected if concerns are raised about their performance.

The idea was to give outstanding schools more freedom, but it means that some schools have gone years without being visited by inspectors.

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “Every child deserves an excellent education, giving them the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential.

“I know parents rely greatly on schools’ Ofsted ratings to give them confidence in choosing the right school for their child, and these reforms will give parents even greater confidence, knowing that every Ofsted rating is up to date and relevant to their child.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman said: “I very much welcome today’s announcement that will allow Ofsted once again to routinely inspect outstanding schools, as we do for all other schools.

“We have long called for the exemption to be lifted, as many outstanding schools have not received a full inspection for a very long time.

“Today’s changes will mean parents can be reassured that a school’s outstanding grade is based on up-to-date information, and that the outstanding judgement itself remains a true beacon of excellence."