Norfolk schools Ofsted 'tip-offs' inquiry call

Labour has called for an inquiry into claims three Norfolk academies were given tip-offs ahead of Ofsted inspections.

Sources quoted by The Observer, external newspaper said the schools in Norwich, Thetford and Great Yarmouth were informed days or weeks in advance of inspectors' arrival.

Dame Rachel de Souza, who was honoured for services to education, is chief executive at the Inspiration Trust, which runs the Thetford Academy and the Great Yarmouth Primary Academy.

She is also the former principal of the Ormiston Victory Academy, in Norwich.

A trust spokesman said: "We can categorically state that Ormiston Academies Trust has never been given any advance warning of Ofsted inspections over and above the half a day that all schools receive."

Ofsted has been asked for a comment.