Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
Ofsted report highlights recent improvements in English school education

Ofsted report highlights recent improvements in English school education

Date posted : 14 December 2017

Educational standards at England's schools are gradually improving, according to a new report from regulator Ofsted.

Data from the latest Ofsted Annual Report has shown that education and support services offered to the vast majority of young people in 2017 are the best they ever have been, with 94 per cent of early-years providers now rated good or outstanding, as well as 90 per cent of primary schools and 79 per cent of secondary schools.

However, room for improvement still exists, with a small group of schools identified that have not experienced any real improvement for many years, including around 130 where this underperformance has persisted for up to a decade.

Shared characteristics of these schools include unstable leadership, high staff turnover and difficulty in recruiting new teachers, while many were also shown to have high proportions of pupils from deprived areas and above-average levels of pupils with special education needs or disabilities.

To tackle these persistent issues, Ofsted will be taking a number of interventionary steps over the next 12 months, including a new approach to inspecting local authority children's services beginning in January, with a greater focus on catching areas before they fall.

Work will also commence on the development of a new education inspection framework for 2019, building on recent findings and with a particular focus on the curriculum.

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: "Our collective mission - and by that I mean everyone involved in education and care - should be to create a society where every young person, regardless of birth or background, can achieve their full potential.

"Everything I see in my job, looking at the work of thousands of children's homes, colleges, schools and nurseries shows me that isn't an idle pipe dream."

List #1

Related posts

Teaching interview questions: what to expect and how to prepare

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Walking into a teaching interview can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced teachers. The secret? Preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the school, and thinking through your answer

Teaser

Teaching interviews can feel daunting, but the right preparation makes all the difference. From common questions to safeguarding, behaviour management, and career development, here’s how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the best impression.

Read more
Teacher pay scales 2025–26: what you need to know

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 20

Teaser

Teacher pay scales for 2025–26 are changing, with a confirmed 4% rise across the board. From new starter salaries to leadership pay, discover what the updated scales mean for teachers, schools, and career planning.

Read more
Back To School: How To Set Up The Year For Success

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

The start of a new academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenge. New timetables and faces are balanced with the realities of staffing, planning, and ensuring the school settles quickly i

Teaser

The start of term sets the tone for the whole year. From staff onboarding to curriculum planning and wellbeing, discover practical ways to prepare your school for success this September and beyond.

Read more
Inclusive classrooms start with Thrive-trained educators

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Schools are under pressure. Behaviour issues are rising, pupil needs are more complex, and staff are stretched. In 2024, 18.4% of children in England were reported to have some form of special edu

Teaser

Need skilled staff for today’s complex classrooms? Thrive-trained educators from Teaching Personnel are ready to reduce disruption and support every learner.

Read more
Thrive in every classroom: How CPD with impact can boost your career

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch

Teaser

Struggling with behaviour or emotional needs in the classroom? Thrive CPD gives you practical tools to support every learner, especially those with SEND or SEMH.

Read more
The future of SEND support

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser

With EHCP reform, funding investment, and workforce development on the horizon, the future of SEND support is changing fast. This blog breaks down what schools need to know, and how to prepare.

Read more
Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

Read more
Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Read more
Pupils listening to teacher in classroom
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

Read more
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

 How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26    As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Read more
company logo
Search