Schools told to put pupils before performance in league tables

TEACHERS should stop putting league tables above giving children a rounded education, the new schools inspector will say today.

In her first major speech since the general election, Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, will condemn primary and secondary schools that put their league table position above the interests of pupils.

In remarks seen by The Daily Telegraph, Ms Spielman will say that in many schools in England, the pressure to boost exam grades means the true substance of education is getting lost.

Speaking at The Telegraph Festival of Education today, Ms Spielman will cite what Ofsted said were “worrying examples” of schools seeking to “game the system”.

These included entering students who speak English as a second language for exams in their own tongue and suspending the curriculum throughout the final year of primary school to focus on English and maths.

Ms Spielman will say that as a nation “we should be ashamed that we have let such behaviour persist for so long”, and blame pressure on teachers.

She will say: “Unacceptable though they are, these behaviours are easily explained. Most of us, if told our job depends on clearing a particular bar, will try to give ourselves the best chance of securing that outcome.”

Ms Spielman will acknowledge the important role schools have in preparing young people to succeed in life and in the labour market.

However, she wants schools to place as much importance on the role of education in “broadening minds, enriching communities and advancing civilisation”.

She will add: “What we measure through inspection can counteract some of the inevitable pressures created by performance tables and floor standards.

“Inspections are about looking underneath the bonnet to be sure that a good quality education – one that genuinely meets pupils’ needs – is not being compromised.”

Ofsted warned in March that an increasing number of schools were entering pupils for non-academic qualifications, which were not in the best interests of pupils, in order to boost their performance data.

Pressure to succeed in league tables was leading some schools to narrow the national curriculum and “move out” pupils who threaten to bring down results.

Meanwhile, speaking at the Festival of Education yesterday, the chairman of the Conservative Party’s 1922 Committee said it would not be possible for the Government to pass legislation to repeal the grammar school ban in this Parliament.

Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham and Sale, claimed the election result meant that the push for new grammars would have to be shelved, despite polls showing the policy is still overwhelmingly backed by voters.

‘Inspections are looking under the bonnet to be sure a good quality education is not being compromised’