Ofsted issues threat to downgrade 'outstanding' schools
Top schools could be downgraded by official inspectors for failing to rescue poor-performing institutions in their local area, the head of Ofsted warned today.
Sir Michael Wilshaw said the best state schools in England should not be allowed to “luxuriate in their outstandingness”.
He suggested that leading head teachers should be required to support struggling primaries and secondaries nearby – often acting as consultants or sharing their best staff.
In a speech, Sir Michael said that “reluctant” schools may need “some sort of nudge and prod” to get involved, including stripping the very top performers of their outstanding status.
The comments were made amid continuing concerns over standards of state education in England.
Some 1,310 primary schools are currently falling short of national targets in the three-Rs and a further 900 secondaries are failing to ensure at least half of pupils finish compulsory education with five decent GCSEs, including English and maths.
Sir Michael, appointed chief inspector in January, said the best schools should play a bigger part in raising standards by helping to drive improvements at struggling neighbours.
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... (Daily Telegraph - 20 March)