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Ofsted reform: ‘We must avoid replacing one flawed system with another’

Amid plans to introduce inspection report cards, a new inspection framework, and the on-going review of curriculum, assessment and performance measures, school leaders are pleading with politicians and Ofsted to ensure reforms are “joined up”.
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News this week that single-phrase Ofsted judgements have been axed with immediate effective has been met with relief and celebration.

However, the school system is now bracing itself for the introduction of School Report Cards from September 2025, consultation over a new inspection framework early next year, and likely reforms from the government’s curriculum and assessment review.

Speaking this week, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “School leaders will understandably be concerned about the timescales and pace of reform and whether the changes go far enough.

“The government confirmed that new accountability report cards will be introduced from September 2025, but Ofsted have said it will only start consultation on a new inspection framework in early 2025.

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