ASCL response on Ofsted curriculum review

Commenting on Ofsted's preliminary findings from its review of the curriculum, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "ASCL has long argued that every child should experience a broad and balanced curriculum. It's good that Ofsted now also espouses what would be taken for granted in most other countries.

"However, it's hardly surprising that schools focus intensely on KS2 tests and GCSEs as that's how their performance is measured, with GCSEs crucial to the life-chances of their pupils.

"If Ofsted wants them to focus less on these assessments, we would suggest it lobbies the government for a change to the accountability system rather than criticising schools.

"Everybody wants to teach a broad curriculum. It is essential that we have an accountability system which supports rather than narrows that aspiration."