Why “Internal vs External Support” Risks Becoming a New Source of Unfairness The 2025 Education Inspection Framework (EIF) brings a major shift in how leadership, governance, and improvement capacity are judged.Much of this shift is positive: schools should know themselves... Continue Reading →
Let’s start with the football… Manchester City score. Semenyo in with a clever goal... (I'm a life-long Bristol City supporter not a Man City support - I loved this player when he was with us) The away fans roar. The... Continue Reading →
This week’s Government announcement of at least £3 billion to expand specialist places within mainstream schools could be a significant moment for creating more inclusive schools. The plan is to create tens of thousands of tailored spaces in local schools,... Continue Reading →
The NEW Ofsted window is open and post-Ofsted feedback is trickling in before any reports are seen. So far, I have heard nothing positive about the overall experience. This got me looking at Ofsted paperwork and in particular the guidance... Continue Reading →
This week, scientists discovered that your nose gets colder when you’re under stress. If that’s true, there must be a legion of icy-nosed school leaders across the country right now, bracing themselves for November and the looming shadow of Ofsted. ... Continue Reading →
After three decades in education, 22 of those as a headteacher I’ve seen trends rise, fall, and occasionally come back with a new hat. But SEND has morphed from a challenge into a full-blown daily crisis, with a price tag... Continue Reading →
Today, in an unprecedented move, all three headteacher associations came together in Somerset to make a joint statement to Ofsted. This shows the depth and strength of feeling about the treatment of schools and the profession right now. Ofsted and... Continue Reading →
There was a time when the drawbridge at Castle Ofsted was down and rust had begun to creep along the chains, as tufts of grass sprouted upon the verges. The invitation to the serfs almost welcoming - a bridge over... Continue Reading →
Oh, in no time at all This'll be the distant past Father John Misty - Ballad of a dying man Very recently I have had to admit to myself that I am not made of iron; that I cannot just... Continue Reading →
Old Primary Head 