The education landscape in England has undergone significant change in recent years, with the expansion of academies and free schools alongside local authority-maintained schools. A new report commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) examines how these different types of schools perform in Ofsted inspections, with results that may challenge expectations.
Read the full report: Analysis of Ofsted Inspection Outcomes by School Type
Key Findings from the Report
1. Council-Maintained Schools Achieve Higher Ofsted Ratings
- 93% of local authority-maintained schools were rated 'Outstanding' or 'Good', compared to 83% of academies.
- The performance gap is most pronounced in primary schools:
- 93% of council-maintained primary schools were rated 'Outstanding' or 'Good'.
- 85% of primary academies achieved the same ratings.
- In secondary schools, the gap remains, though slightly smaller:
- 88% of local authority-maintained secondary schools achieved 'Outstanding' or 'Good'.
- 78% of secondary academies received the same ratings.
2. Debate Over Academisation and Educational Standards
The findings have sparked debate among educators, policymakers, and parents, particularly in the context of the Schools White Paper 2022, which aimed to transition all schools into multi-academy trusts (MATs) by 2030.
- Proponents of council-maintained schools argue that democratic oversight, local accountability, and council support contribute to their strong performance.
- Advocates for academisation, including the Department for Education (DfE), highlight that academies have played a role in improving school standards, with the percentage of 'Good' or 'Outstanding' schools rising from 68% in 2010 to 88% in recent years.
3. Calls for a Balanced Approach
- Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, called for greater recognition of councils' role in delivering high-quality education.
- Dr. Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), emphasised the importance of a democratically organised school system, advocating for councils to have greater powers to ensure equity across all schools, including academies.
What This Means for Schools and Leaders
1. Implications for Policy and Governance
- The findings suggest a need for further research into what makes council-maintained schools consistently successful and how academies can learn from these best practices.
- Policymakers will need to balance the role of MATs and local authorities to ensure that all schools receive the right support.
2. Practical Considerations for School Leaders
- School leaders in MATs should consider how they can enhance accountability, collaboration, and professional development to match the high performance of council-maintained schools.
- Council-maintained school leaders should continue leveraging local authority support while adapting to an evolving education landscape.
3. Next Steps for Schools and Educators
- Schools must continue focusing on strong leadership, high-quality teaching, and well-supported staff—key factors that contribute to high Ofsted ratings, regardless of governance structure.
Resources for School Leaders
School Leadership and Governance
Improving School Performance
Staff Development and Retention
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