AI could tell Ofsted which schools will fail inspections

OFSTED should use artificial intelligence to determine which schools will fail, a report has suggested.

Researchers from the Behavioural Insights Team, which operates in partnership with the Cabinet Office, found that a combination of the right data and machine learning can predict whether a school will be rated as inadequate or requiring improvement.

Previous inspections, census information and workforce data, all of which are publicly available, were used to build an algorithm.

John Manzoni, the chief executive of the Civil Service, said using data science to inform policy was key to driving innovation in Government.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) warned against using a “data-led” approach to inspections.

“It is important that the whole process is transparent and that schools can understand and learn from any assessment,” a spokesman for the NAHT said. “Leaders and teachers need absolute confidence that the inspection system will treat teachers and leaders fairly.”