Key facts
- 88% of school leaders surveyed said recent Ofsted inspections negatively affected staff mental wellbeing.
- 29% of school leaders reported a significant negative impact on staff mental wellbeing.
- Ofsted's chief inspector, Martyn Oliver, believes the inspection data shows progress.
- The Association of School and College Leaders stated that many educators are considering leaving the profession due to inspection stress.
- Fewer than one in four schools agreed to participate in the survey, limiting its findings.
- Six out of 10 respondents said their inspection would help them improve.
A survey commissioned by the education watchdog Ofsted has revealed that a significant majority of school leaders believe its inspections are detrimental to the mental wellbeing of teachers and senior staff. The findings, released on Tuesday, cast doubt on Ofsted's efforts to reform its inspection process following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry last year, which was linked to an inspection.
The independent survey, conducted by IFF Research, found that 88% of school leaders who had undergone the revised inspections since last year reported a negative impact on staff mental wellbeing, with 29% stating the effect was substantial.
School leaders have described the results as a "damning indictment" of Ofsted's attempts to improve its approach. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) noted that many experienced educators are considering leaving the profession due to the stress caused by inspections. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) urged Ofsted to release the full survey data, arguing that the current framework continues to create unacceptable levels of pressure and stress.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell is reportedly seeking a review of the inspection format, with sources indicating she wants Ofsted to "go back to the drawing board" due to ongoing complaints about the stressful nature of the new inspections.
However, Ofsted's chief inspector, Martyn Oliver, stated that the data indicates the watchdog is "on the right track," emphasizing that inspections are conducted in the interest of children and maintaining high standards while also aiming to improve the experience for education professionals. He acknowledged that workload and wellbeing remain challenging issues in education and pledged to continue listening to feedback.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), characterized the overall survey results as "rose-tinted" and expressed a desire for a new system that is more supportive, fair, and effective, reflecting what he described as the profession's "crying out for."
The survey authors, IFF Research, noted limitations due to fewer than one in four schools agreeing to be surveyed after their inspections. Ofsted did highlight that six out of 10 respondents indicated their inspection would help them improve, and more than three-quarters found the inspections to be respectful, collaborative, and empathetic, with a similar proportion believing the inspections successfully identified their best elements.