ISC: “Preserve independence of our inspectorate”

11 April 2008

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) today welcomes the government's proposed government changes to the independent inspectorate system for schools as long as they safeguard the existing high standards of inspection,  will not threaten or undermine the independence of the sector and do not add to bureaucratic burdens.

In its response to the consultation on independent inspectorates, ISC says that the government is right to ensure that the independent sector has a high quality inspection regime, but that the current inspection system for ISC schools works well.

In October 2007, ISC attacked a DCSF consultation which proposed that the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which inspects all ISC schools, should be regulated and registered by Ofsted rather than the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. This change has been incorporated into the Education & Skills Bill which is due to go before the House of Lords.

ISC General Counsel Matthew Burgess said today: 

"According to the OECD our independent schools provide the best education in the world. Our current inspection system works well in maintaining high standards. We have made some suggestions for improvement to the Government's consultation on inspection regimes, with a view to preserving the independence of the sector.

This consultation is in stark contrast with current proposals to impose Ofsted as the regulator of independent schools, which was rushed through in the school holidays with no attempt at genuine engagement with schools.  We will continue to lobby against this change, which benefits no one except the Department for Children, Schools and Families."

 

Notes to editors

ISC

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) represents the seven leading independent schools associations in the United Kingdom, collectively educating more than 500,000 children in 1,278 schools. ISC exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education; the development of talent at all levels of ability; and the widening of opportunity for children from all backgrounds to achieve their potential.

Ofsted
Ofsted is the single inspection body in England, with a remit covering education, children's services and skills. Within this it inspects a significant number of independent schools and all residential settings for children and young people. The Education Act 2002 makes provision for alternative arrangements for inspecting education provision in independent schools, and these arrangements are carried forward in the Education and Skills Bill currently before Parliament.

A link to the Consultation on criteria of independent inspectorates

ISC's constituent associations have had input into this response

 

Press enquiries: Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC

Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 0788 5620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk