Some 58 per cent of secondaries in England vetted last term were rated satisfactory or inadequate – Ofsted’s two lowest categories. The verdict follows an overhaul of inspections in September designed to put a renewed focus on the quality of classroom teaching and pupil results.   Related Articles Failing schools 'double' under Ofsted reforms Race rules could brand top schools failures Parents to rate schools in Ofsted survey Lightning inspections for poor schools Schools face surprise Ofsted inspections Ofsted is an 'agent of state enforcement', says Chris Woodhead The watchdog insisted that the system “raised expectations” on behalf of children and parents – suggesting it provided a more accurate picture of school standards. Inspectors also placed a sharper focus on weak schools. According to new figures, half of the 2,140 nurseries and schools inspected between September and December last year were no better than satisfactory.[Read more...]