Industry News
Independent schools on Ofsted's watch
Posted on 29th November 2007
Private schools are to be overseen by the education watchdog Ofsted instead of directly monitored by the secretary of state.
A new education and skills bill published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families will mean independent schools will no longer have to consult the secretary of state regarding "minor changes".
However, in the past, Bernard Trafford, the chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference has criticised Ofsted as the government's "rottweiler".
At the annual gathering of the HMC he claimed the government seeks to undermine the independence of private schools "deliberately or unwittingly".
"We need to be very robust in defence of our independence - and fight this latest creeping regulation," Dr Trafford had urged the assembled headteachers.
The HMC represents the headteachers of around 250 independent schools in Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
It seeks to influence national policy when it relates to the private sector.
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