Bridget Phillipson demands action as underperforming schools face tough measures

In early February 2025, Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary in the United Kingdom, unveiled significant reforms aimed at improving school standards across the country. The new initiatives were announced during a major speech where she emphasized a departure from previous evaluation methods that categorized schools with single-word judgments. Instead, Ofsted, the education standards organization, will implement a system utilizing detailed report cards that will assess schools across nine different areas, including attendance and inclusion. This new multi-faceted grading approach is intended to offer a clearer picture of school performance for parents and stakeholders alike. The decision to overhaul the existing inspection system arose amidst criticisms highlighted by the tragic death of a headteacher who faced severe consequences following a negative Ofsted report. In light of public outcry regarding the limitations and potential harm caused by the single-word judgment system, Phillipson’s reforms reflect an acknowledgment of the need for a more nuanced evaluation process. However, there is skepticism about whether the proposed changes will substantially improve the situation or merely serve as a rebranding of an already criticized system. Several educational leaders, including Pepe Di'Iasio from the Association of School and College Leaders, expressed concerns that the proposals may reiterate the same pitfalls as the previous method. In conjunction with these changes, Phillipson addressed the pressing issue of underperforming schools, declaring that they would be given a period of 18 months to make improvements or face conversion into academies. This timely intervention is aimed at providing a clear pathway for failing schools to either enhance their educational standards or transition into a different operational structure under governmental oversight. The maintenance of academies, a policy initially championed by former education secretary Michael Gove, was presented as integral to promoting higher standards. These announcements have generated varying reactions among parents, educators, and policymakers, with many advocating for accountability in education. Phillipson’s approach seeks to strike a balance between providing schools with necessary support while instilling a sense of urgency for improvement. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these proposed reforms, including the new report cards and the 18-month timelines for underperforming schools, will depend on their implementation and whether they are met with adequate resources and commitment from all stakeholders in the education sector.