CPS Head of Education responds to 'Beyond Ofsted' inquiry

In response to launch of ‘Beyond Ofsted – An Inquiry into the Future of School Inspection’, Mark Lehain, CPS Head of Education, said:

‘What and how Ofsted inspects is a very important topic for discussion. Being sponsored by a union that has long questioned Ofsted’s legitimacy, it will be really interesting to see what the inquiry comes up with and how different its proposals are to the ones long-advocated by the NEU and the panel members.

‘Ofsted has been a force for both bad and good over the years. I’d argue that it’s been a positive influence in recent times, and hope that this is recognised by the review as they consider things. I also hope they’ll consider how the inspectorate works within the wider accountability framework, to ensure proposals work in harmony with, and not against, children’s interests.’

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Mark Lehain is the CPS Head of Education. Prior to this he was a Special Adviser at the Department for Education. A third-generation teacher, Mark taught maths in secondary schools before leading the successful campaign for a new school in Bedford. He was Principal of Bedford Free School between 2012 and 2017, and since then has run Parents & Teachers for Excellence, the New Schools Network, and the Campaign for Common Sense.
  • For further information and media requests, please contact Emma Revell on 07931 698246 and [email protected] or Josh Coupland on 07912 485655 and [email protected]
  • The Centre for Policy Studies is one of the oldest and most influential think tanks in Westminster. With a focus on taxation, economic growth, business, welfare, education, housing and green growth, its goal is to develop policies that widen enterprise, ownership and opportunity.

Date Added: Tuesday 25th April 2023