Industry News
Private schools face 'Ofsted-style inspections'
Posted on 18th December 2007
The Independent School Inspectorate is considering introducing Ofsted-style inspections of private schools, it has been reported.
According to the Guardian newspaper, the authority is circulating proposals to reduce the inspection notice period from 18 months to five days and to carry out checks every three years instead of every six.
Furthermore, it could stop serving and retired independent school teachers from carrying out the inspections.
Anthony Selden, headteacher of leading independent school Wellington College, has been an inspector of private schools for 13 years.
He told the Guardian: "It's time that the government got their noses out and put their own house in order first."
Earlier this year, Bernard Trafford, head of Wolverhampton Grammar School and chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, told the annual gathering that schools need to protect their independence from "creeping regulation".
He made his comments in response to suggestions that private schools should register with Ofsted.
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