Ambition Institute responds to new Ofsted inspection framework

Tom Rees, executive director of school leadership at Ambition Institute, said: 

“We welcome Ofsted’s new inspection framework and believe it is another step towards a school system that values the expertise of teachers and school leaders.  

“The new framework offers a real opportunity to shift the existing accountability culture in schools to one that is more sustainable for educators. This should allow schools to put their minds to what matters most: helping educators to keep getting better so that every pupil gets a great education. 

“Focusing inspection on the quality of a school’s curricula and scaling back the interrogation of internal data are both welcome reforms, which should allow educators to think more about what they teach, how they teach it and how they develop teachers’ expertise to do so. The evidence tells us that this is a much better way to improve outcomes for children than some of the approaches encouraged under previous inspection frameworks. 

“Teaching is complex, and developing expertise is difficult and takes time. That’s why, at Ambition Institute, we were already thinking hard about how our programmes can support teachers and leaders to develop the right knowledge and skills. And why, now that the Ofsted framework is finalised, we’re excited to work with teachers and leaders to make good on its potential.  

“Our new, re-developed programme suite will reflect what teachers and school leaders need to know and be able to do to bring this to life. 

“For example, we have re-formulated our Teaching Leaders programme to focus on curriculum development and the leadership of teaching, so that middle leaders can train their teams to deliver their curricula to the highest standards. 

“And we are designing a new specialist programme that will enable educators to become experts in curriculum development and assessment. 

“At the core of all of this work is the drive to embed expertise in the education workforce.  

“Although there are always unintended consequences of any accountability reforms, the new framework gives us reasons to be optimistic. Teachers and school leaders do one of the toughest – and most rewarding – jobs in society.  It’s time we gave them the tools, knowledge and support to do it to the best of their ability.”

Our fully-funded Teaching Leaders programme is currently open for applications. Find out more >