Ofsted to switch focus from exam results to ‘talents and interests’

SCHOOLS with debating clubs or cadets are to be rewarded under a new inspection regime as Ofsted seeks to help build resilience in young people.

Under the draft framework, published yesterday, inspectors will mark schools on how much they help children “develop their character” – including their resilience, confidence and independence.

Ofsted is proposing to have a standalone category for “personal development” for the first time, to encourage schools to prioritise extra-curricular activities. This could include debating or public-speaking societies, cadet forces, Duke of Edinburgh schemes, or extra music or drama clubs.

Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector, said the move was intended to emphasise to head teachers that building resilience in young people was an integral part of education.

“It’s about making clear that education is not just about teaching a good set of academic subjects really well,” she said. “There is something a bit intangible and bigger than that, and it is making sure they recognise that.”

Ms Spielman said that inspectors would not reward schools for putting on any one particular extra-curricular activity. “It’s about having a range of opportunities so people can discover their talents and interests,” she said. “A good school or college has that range of activities, so that everybody can discover what they are good at.”

She said many schools already had extra-curricular programmes on offer, but the new inspection framework sought to reward them and encourage others to follow their lead.

“It’s putting a bit more value on it, putting a bit more weight on it … so schools know they will get recognition and value placed on doing this kind of thing, rather than thinking we will spend all our spare time on English or maths revision sessions.”

Under the proposals, schools will be marked down if pupils misbehave and are discourteous. It follows research by Ofsted that found a rise in “low level” disruption, such as children using mobile phones and other electronic devices in the classroom.

Inspections in England will no longer focus on exam results and grades, instead concentrating on pupils being taught a broad curriculum.

Speaking at the Sixth Form Colleges Association winter conference, she said: “A new personal development judgment will look at the opportunities providers give to build character and resilience, and to prepare children and young people to succeed as adults and active citizens in modern Britain.”

Ofsted’s proposals are now undergoing a consultation process and the new inspection framework will come into force from September.