ASCL comment on new vision for inspections

Commenting on the new approach to inspections outlined by HMCI Amanda Spielman today, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“Amanda Spielman’s aim of shifting the emphasis of inspections away from the crushing obsession with exam results towards championing a vibrant curriculum is a breath of fresh air. It has the potential to liberate schools, teachers and pupils from the drudgery of data and give them greater confidence to focus on the important stuff of education – teaching, learning, knowledge and skills.

“Exams and tests will always play an important role but they have become too all-consuming in recent years, and we need a more balanced approach.

“There is still a long way to go. We have yet to see the detail of exactly how these new inspections will work in practice. But the direction of travel is the right one and will be widely supported by school and college leaders.”