Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to implement reforms to replace the single-word assessment system for schools currently being operated by Ofsted.

The overall effectiveness grade is an important part of the government’s accountability arrangements. It provides clarity for parents, and triggers support where it is needed to improve outcomes for children. In the absence of that grade, there would need to be an alternative basis for intervention, which would add complexity and risk the loss of transparency when decisions are made.

There is also an important read across to other sectors. Grades are used across Ofsted inspections, not just in schools, and are used by other inspectorates in some other public service inspectorates, including in health and adult social care.

Following the tragic death of Ruth Perry, the department is working with His Majesty’s Chief Inspector to look closely at the coroner’s findings. The department and Ofsted will make further changes beyond those already announced in June 2023 where these are needed to make sure that the inspection system supports schools and teachers.