Headmaster criticises one-word Ofsted judgements

The school had not been inspected since 2013

A headmaster has criticised "simplistic" and "reductional" Ofsted judgements, despite his school being rated "outstanding".

Whitley Bay High School achieved the grade for a third time at its most recent inspection in June.

But headmaster Steve Wilson said the "excellent" outcome had not changed his view on "one-word judgements".

Ofsted has been approached for comment.

Mr Wilson said the judgements remained a "simplistic and reductionist approach which we know from local and national experience can be intensely damaging".

He added: "What was most pleasing about this inspection experience was the wonderful support we received from our students, parents and the wider community, which I would like to thank them for."

Ofsted had not inspected the school since 2013, when it last retained its status, as it qualified for inspection exemptions, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Julie Firth, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, congratulated the school on the "brilliant" outcome.

"An outstanding rating from Ofsted is a testament to the hard work that takes place each day to ensure pupils are receiving the best education, achieving their ambitions, and having a positive school experience," she said.

Ofsted has come under scrutiny following the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry in January 2023, while she awaited the publication of an inspection which downgraded Caversham Primary, in Reading, from outstanding to inadequate.

An inquest into the death found that the Ofsted inspection at Mrs Perry’s school had "contributed" to her suicide.

The inquest also found the inspection, in parts, "lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity".

The family of Mrs Perry and two teaching unions have since called for one- or two-word judgements to be scrapped.

Ofsted's chief Sir Martyn Oliver previously said the body had to ensure high standards but admitted it could also be "far more empathetic".

It has recently concluded a consultation to identify improvements.