Schools

Heard today that Isobel's school got an "Outstanding" Ofsted report, following a recent inspection. They're naturally very pleased, and it is a great achievement for a mixed-ability school in a grammar dominated area (Toby's school also got an "Outstanding" earlier in the year). But having been a little bit on the other side of the system as a governor at the primary school where Elliot is the last remaining Leveson, it's hard not to have a few questions about the whole system. One of the principles underlying inspections nowadays is that "attainment is a limiting factor" - in other words if results in national tests/exams (SATs or GCSEs) don't reach certain standards then every other area of the school's life is judged accordingly. Now I wouldn't want to knock the value of academic achievement; but I would want to suggest that when it becomes THE significant criteria for judging the value or effectiveness of schooling, then it is in danger of becoming an idol. And one that, while no doubt with the intention of making our world more inclusive, actually highlights the lines that society draws between those who are deemed to be succesful and those who aren't. Anyway, rant over. On a positive note it's good to see groups like the Jubilee Centre seeking to engage with these issues from a Christian point of view. It's certainly needed.