A HEADTEACHER has branded his school’s latest Ofsted report “shambolic, unjust and inaccurate”

Bishop Barrington School in Bishop Auckland saw its overall rating downgraded from good to requires improvement in a report, published this week.

Pupil progress was deemed “not good enough, with school leaders accused of being slow to act to rectify weakness evident in 2105 and 2016 exam results.

The quality and impact of teaching was described as “variable” and inspectors concluded pupils were under achieving in key subjects such as maths. Outcomes for children with disabilities and special needs was also deemed “not good.”

Difficulties recruiting staff was also highlighted, with the report stating: “There is some recent evidence which indicates the school has turned a significant corner which is helping to ensure that more pupils make consistently effective progress. Reduced turbulence in staffing has been key in improving this picture.”

However, headteacher Mike Bennett has branded the report “shambolic, unjust and inaccurate,” and has received dozens of emails of support from parents.

Immediately after the inspection last November, Mr Bennett issued a formal complaint, claiming the Ofsted team was rude and describing the second day as “chaotic” after one inspector failed to show up. He said the inspectors observed lessons for as little as five minutes.

Mr Bennett insisted the “school never makes excuses” but questioned why more than half of the lessons observed were delivered by newly qualified teachers when there are only seven in the school.

In 2016 and 2017, Bishop Barrington lost one third of its entire workforce due to family tragedies, debilitating illnesses, staff moving onto promoted positions and seven teachers, including key subject leaders, going on year-long maternity leave.

In a letter to parents, Mr Bennett said: “This was explained to the Ofsted team but was not referred to or taken into account within the report. In addition, when I asked the lead inspector what more we could have done he had no answers. However, in the report he comments on leaders and governors being ‘slow to act.’

"We were confident the way leaders ensured 72 per cent of pupils attained A* to C grades in such challenging circumstances would be regarded as an impressive achievement.

“Although we regret that not all pupils met progress targets in maths, no-one was complacent, with all available staff re-doubling their efforts.”

Headteacher at the time Jackie Gent MBE said Ofsted had demonstrated a lack of appreciation of the difficulties faced by schools, adding: “This is one of the main reasons why many head teachers view Ofsted as a punitive regime, rather than a body providing helpful advice on school improvement.”

An Ofsted spokesperson said all complaints were taken seriously, adding: “We recognise that the school faced staffing challenges. But this does not deflect from the fact that over a three year period, between 2015 and 2017, progress for Year 11 pupils was not good enough, and progress for current pupils remains too variable. When staffing challenges occur, school leaders must ensure contingency plans are in place so that pupils continue to receive high quality teaching.”

She said inspectors observe experienced and newly qualified teachers, but noted that this is only one source of evidence used.

She continued: “All inspectors have to follow a code of conduct in upholding the highest professional standards in their work. They must carry out inspection with integrity and treat all those they meet with courtesy, respect and sensitivity.”