‘Science is being culled from primary schools’

Science is being “squeezed out” of the primary school curriculum, the Ofsted chief has said, as she attacked governing bodies for failing to hold teachers to account.

Amanda Spielman, Her Majesty’s chief inspector, said that undue focus on examinations and schools’ league table performances has seen many students sitting weekly tests in English and maths, while teachers are “forfeiting a deeper education in science and other subjects”.

She criticised schools that pursued a narrow curriculum and allowed “grades and stickers” to take precedence. An Ofsted study showed that primary school pupils in particular were at risk of having science lessons culled in favour of early exam preparation.