Amanda Spielman
As seen in:
MSN,
The Guardian,
The Telegraph,
Yahoo News UK,
Tes,
Yahoo,
AOL UK,
The Yorkshire Post,
The Spectator,
PoliticsHome
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Amanda Spielman
Why is being kind more important than being excellent?
Andy Burnham has made known that he wants to increase technical education take-up and raise its status, and Lucy Powell, as the new Education Secretary, is charged with the task. The flaws in the arguments Powell is making have already been exposed, including by Sir Nick Gibb in these pages. Yet there is an emotional appeal to what Burnham and Powell say, especially about allowing more children to move early into work-aligned education programmes.
Lucy Powell is wrong to call the curriculum a ‘straitjacket’
And we’re off – Lucy Powell has followed up on Andy Burnham’s speech about providing high-quality technical education routes that are valued and respected by students, parents and employers. The new Education Secretary is eye-poppingly adrift in her analysis and assertions. It is true to say, as she does, that we have far too many young people not in education or working (NEETs). But it is ridiculous to blame this on the Michael Gove-era school curriculum.
Britain needs schools to build social cohesion – just not the Farage way
Reform UK wants to encourage patriotism within the education system A Reform government would seek to rebuild patriotism in schools with a requirement to fly the Union Flag and a revamped history curriculum “that will rekindle national pride”. Unsurprisingly, some reacted with horror. Even sophisticated commentators noted that a government power to direct the symbols displayed in schools could be misused.
Ofsted has lost interest in educating children
Ofsted published a note on its areas of research interest earlier this month, setting out more than 100 questions grouped under seven themes. It explicitly links these to the current chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver’s priorities and also states that the list aligns with the Department for Education’s research interests. It is a revealing and depressing document – both in what it says and also in what it omits. Above all, it tells us that Ofsted isn’t much interested in actual education any more.
The danger of civil service overreach
This article is taken from the December-January 2026 issue of The Critic. To get the full magazine why not subscribe? Get five issues for just £25. “What does impartiality mean and how should it look in practice?” were questions I had to constantly ask during my seven years in charge of Ofsted, a non-ministerial government department staffed by civil servants. I had to do so because of the civil service’s preference for adopting its own favoured agendas at the expense of impartiality.
Labour's National Curriculum Review Risks Being a Trojan Horse for Smuggling Left-Wing Agendas Into Schools – The Daily Sceptic
Finally, the Curriculum and Assessment Review is out. The general take from the sector seems to be that it is much better than feared – clearly many people want to lock down the wins and avoid leaving too much open for debate. But there are negatives as well as positives, and above all a great deal of uncertainty about what will materialise when the subject and qualification review work is done. To start with the wins.
Education officials are clueless about education
To understand why education reform – and school improvement – is so hard it helps to get inside the mind of the officials who are supposed to be driving higher standards. This week Jonathan Slater, a former Department for Education permanent secretary, published a report for UCL Policy Lab that perfectly illustrates many senior officials’ poor understanding of schools and of accountability in particular. Slater is, admirably, determined to improve educational outcomes for poorer children.
Holding the education system to account | Amanda Spielman
The English education system has been a model for reform in teacher training, managing behaviour, lifting standards in the teaching of reading, reforming curriculum, increasing school competition, and much more. Central to much of this reform effort has been the impressive contribution made by the nation’s inspectorate.
Ex-Ofsted chief calls for overhaul of grading system after Ruth Perry’s death
It comes after MPs launched an inquiry on Tuesday into Ofsted’s school inspections and whether they can be improved. The watchdog has faced pressure to reform after Ms Perry, the headteacher of Caversham Primary School in Reading, Berkshire, took her own life in January after her school was downgraded to the lowest Ofsted rating. Sir Michael confirmed to Tes magazine that he was calling for an overhaul of the entire grading system – possibly by replacing one-word judgments with narrative reports.
MPs launch inquiry into school inspections by Ofsted following criticism
The inquiry – by cross-party MPs on the Commons Education Select Committee – will look into concerns that the one-word ratings that Ofsted gives to schools may not be conducive to helping schools improve. MPs will consider the impact of Ofsted inspections on the workload and wellbeing of teachers, school leaders and pupils as part of the inquiry.
13 June 2023 - Accountability hearing with Ofsted on children’s social care and safeguarding - Oral evidence
Ofsted questioned on safeguarding and children’s social care after calls for ‘radical reset’ The Education Committee will question Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman on the regulator’s role in supporting reforms to the children’s social care sector. Among the areas of focus in this session will be the supply and quality of places in children’s homes, which varies across the country.
No ‘reason to doubt’ school inspection after death of headteacher – Ofsted chief
Pressure has been mounting on the schools watchdog in England following the incident, but its chief inspector has defended the system used to give rankings. Ms Spielman told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg On Sunday programme: “I think the findings were secure and I think the inspection team worked with the professionalism and sensitivity that I would expect from our inspectors. “From what I’ve seen, I don’t have any reason to doubt the inspection. “Inspection is a sensitive process.
Sex education must be ‘grounded in facts’ to prevent controversy – Ofsted chief
Her comments come after Rishi Sunak said the Government would accelerate a review of how relationships and sex education is being taught in schools.
Building a really strong working relationship between Ofsted and the college sector
@Ofstednews' Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman spoke at #AoCConf21, the annual conference of the Association of Colleges in Birmingham: Good afternoon, it’s great to see you today and it’s fantastic to be here in person in Birmingham – after far too long restricted to Teams and Zoom. I’d like to start this afternoon with some reflections on a very turbulent year in education and a difficult time for colleges. We all talk about ‘recovery’ these days, but that doesn’t mean the challenges are over.
Building a really strong working relationship between Ofsted and the college sector
@Ofstednews’ Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman spoke at #AoCConf21, the annual conference of the Association of Colleges in Birmingham: Good afternoon, it’s great to see you today and it’s fantastic to be here in person in Birmingham – after far too long restricted to Teams and Zoom. I’d like to start this afternoon with some reflections on a very turbulent year in education and a difficult time for colleges. We all talk about ‘recovery’ these days, but that doesn’t mean the challenges are over.
Tackling widespread sexual abuse will take more than an INSET
Our review into sexual abuse and harassment has been widely accepted, writes Amanda Spielman. So how can leaders make a start tackling the issues it raises? Last week we published our review into sexual abuse in schools and colleges. While we knew these issues were a problem, it’s appalling to see that so many children and young people – especially girls – feel they have to accept harassment and online sexual abuse as part of normal life, to the point that they don’t think it’s worth reporting.
Findings from Ofsted visits in October
Amanda Spielman @OfstedNews discusses what we found in our visits to education and children’s social care providers during October: Last month, I discussed the initial findings from our autumn visits to education and social care providers. These visits, unlike inspections, are not aiming to grade schools, colleges, nurseries or children’s homes; they are not judgemental at all.
Covid recovery: The chief inspector's view
Heated debate and unhelpful commentary aside, it is by pulling together that we will do best for our teachers and their pupils, writes Amanda Spielman Wednesday’s “thank a teacher day” couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. Since schools closed to most pupils in March, you – teachers, headteachers and support staff – have been doing a remarkable job in circumstances that were unthinkable just a few short months ago.
What’s been happening with arts subjects? Amanda Spielman speech
#LetsCreate - Amanda Spielman speaking at the Royal Opera House for the Headteachers’ Symposium on #Creativity and #Education about arts subjects in schools and initial teacher education: Good afternoon. I’m delighted to be with you today. I don’t get to come here nearly enough – but I did manage two operas and a ballet last year. Thank you for inviting me and, more importantly, thank you for all that you do for children.
Amanda Spielman launches Ofsted's Annual Report 2018/19
Ofsted's Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman discusses the quality of education, training and care services in England at the launch of Ofsted's Annual Report today (21 Jan). Introduction Good morning everyone, and thank you for coming today to the launch of this Annual Report, which is my third as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector. It’s unusual for us to be publishing in January. This is normally a pre-Christmas event, but it had to be put on hold because of the election.
Stuck schools need more support from Ofsted and government
A small number of schools are failing to improve under the current system. For them, a new approach is needed, writes Amanda Spielman When discussions turn to Ofsted, despite the vast majority of the sector being in favour of our new framework and our overall approach, a common refrain is that inspection is not supportive enough. That inspectors simply turn up, judge and leave. To some extent, this is true. School improvement has not been part of Ofsted’s remit for many years.
Spielman: The reasons I feel optimistic about education
On the day we learned who our new Prime Minister would be, I was speaking at an education event. I found myself reflecting on encouraging trends in education over the past decade, many of which get far less celebration that they should. First of all, we are seeing a whole different level of teacher engagement in discussion and development of every aspect of education itself.
Design and technology students in long-term decline: Where are the designers and innovators of the future going to come from?
Amanda Spielman spoke at the innovate conference about design and technology in schools and colleges: Introduction Good morning. I’m so pleased to be with you today. The V&A is one of my favourite places, and I’ve been coming here since I was a child. It was the first place I really started to notice extraordinary fabrics and textiles, the Spitalfields silks and then a little later the astonishing carpet collection and then the fashion exhibitions.
The Education Inspection Framework: What this means for governors.
Amanda Spielman spoke at the National Governance Association (8 Jun) about the response to the consultation on the education inspection framework and what the new framework means for governors: Thank you for inviting me here today. I’m not in the least surprised to see so many governors out at the weekend. I was a governor myself for 7 years and I really understand the commitment, the thought, the amazing energy that goes into the work that you do.
The Education Inspection Framework: What this means for governors.
Amanda Spielman spoke at the National Governance Association (8 Jun) about the response to the consultation on the education inspection framework and what the new framework means for governors: Thank you for inviting me here today. I’m not in the least surprised to see so many governors out at the weekend. I was a governor myself for 7 years and I really understand the commitment, the thought, the amazing energy that goes into the work that you do.
Amanda Spielman seeks to allay heads' fears over new framework
Worried about the new inspection framework? Amanda Spielman seeks to allay concerns over “a couple of things” that she knows are worrying some people This week marked an important milestone for me personally, for Ofsted, and I hope, in time, for school leaders and teachers. On Tuesday we published the new Education Inspection Framework and the all-important handbooks that sit underneath it.
Spielman: 'I hope my reforms will mitigate fear of THE Ofsted call'
Jobs My jobs Job alerts My CV Career preferences Resources Downloads Blendspace Author dashboard Add resource My shop Tes Elements Community Groups Followers Following Courses Access courses News Magazine Subscriptions Payments My products Tes for schools Work for Tes School inspection will never be universally popular but the new framework should go a long way to making the process fairer, writes Ofsted's chief inspector By Amanda Spielman 14 May 2019 Today, we’ve published our final...
Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman: 'We are listening to teachers'
The consultation on our new inspection framework closes this evening, 5 April. So far we’ve received over 8,000 responses – the biggest ever response to an Ofsted consultation. That reflects many hours of your time going into making what I think is a strong set of proposals even better. We started our curriculum research two years ago. This research, as well as existing research and 26 years of inspection experience and evidence, has helped us to develop a framework with the curriculum at its heart.
Amanda Spielman at the Muslim Teachers' Association
Ofsted's Chief Inspector gave a speech at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Muslim Teachers' Association: It’s good to be back at the Institute of Education where I was lucky enough to study myself. I did my MA in comparative education in 2001. And I am thrilled to be here with you today and to join you in celebrating 40 years of the Muslim Teachers’ Association. And indeed to celebrate the contribution Muslim teachers make at every level of our school system.
Amanda Spielman at the Muslim Teachers' Association
Ofsted's Chief Inspector gave a speech at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Muslim Teachers' Association: It’s good to be back at the Institute of Education where I was lucky enough to study myself. I did my MA in comparative education in 2001. And I am thrilled to be here with you today and to join you in celebrating 40 years of the Muslim Teachers’ Association. And indeed to celebrate the contribution Muslim teachers make at every level of our school system.
Safeguarding young people in education from knife crime: Lessons from London
Amanda Spielman discusses Ofsted's report on knife crime. The report looks at exclusions, working with agencies and education about staying safe: This is a timely report for Ofsted to be publishing. The related issues of knife crime, gang violence and child exploitation are rightly high on public and political agendas. The images of those recently killed with knives on the front pages of newspapers remind us all of the tragic cost of violence being paid by our children.
Safeguarding young people in education from knife crime: Lessons from London
Amanda Spielman discusses Ofsted's report on knife crime. The report looks at exclusions, working with agencies and education about staying safe: This is a timely report for Ofsted to be publishing. The related issues of knife crime, gang violence and child exploitation are rightly high on public and political agendas. The images of those recently killed with knives on the front pages of newspapers remind us all of the tragic cost of violence being paid by our children.
Amanda Spielman at the Youth Sport Trust 2019 Conference
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed the new education inspection framework and what it means for physical education and sport. Good morning. I’m delighted to be joining you today. Thank you for inviting me. This morning I’m going to talk about the new Ofsted inspection framework that we’re consulting on, and what that might mean for PE and sport.
Amanda Spielman at the Youth Sport Trust 2019 Conference
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed the new education inspection framework and what it means for physical education and sport. Good morning. I’m delighted to be joining you today. Thank you for inviting me. This morning I’m going to talk about the new Ofsted inspection framework that we’re consulting on, and what that might mean for PE and sport.
How Ofsted is tackling the culture of teaching to the test
Inspection should capture the things that no data measure can, says Amanda Spielman. ‘We need to look at how a school has achieved results, not just take them at face value’ I hope that most of you will have seen that we have now published a consultation on our new education inspection framework that we intend to bring in this September. We are proposing a shift so that inspection looks harder at the real substance of education, at what children are really learning.
'Ofsted will not treat college students like kids'
Ofsted will not treat FE learners like children when it brings in a new judgement for students’ “behaviour and attitudes”, the chief inspector has insisted. The focus on students’ behaviour in school settings in the new framework, on which the consultation launched today, had prompted some concerns about how this would be interpreted in FE inspections.
Ofsted: 'Insufficient progress' at 1 in 5 new apprenticeship providers
A fifth of new apprenticeship training providers have made "insufficient progress" when it comes to the delivery of training, according to Ofsted. By the end of November 2018, Ofsted had published more than 90 reports from monitoring visits to new apprenticeship providers that started delivery after the introduction of the register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP) in March 2017, according to a blog by the inspectorate's specialist adviser for apprenticeships, Chris Jones.
Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman looks ahead to implementing a new education inspection framework in 2019
Written by Amanda Spielman on 1 January 2019 in Feature Feature Photo: Flickr What was your highlight of 2018? One of my priorities for this year was to improve engagement between Ofsted and the sectors we inspect. Part of that comes from me and my senior team attending events and visiting providers, hearing their views. But the most important part of that work is the professional conversations that happen on inspection.
Amanda Spielman launches Ofsted's Annual Report 2017/18
Ofsted's Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman discusses the quality of education, training and care services in England at the launch of Ofsted's Annual Report today: Good morning everyone, and thank you so much for taking the time to come and hear the findings from my second Annual Report as Chief Inspector. This report, as many of you will know, summarises the findings from all our inspections, visits and research over the past year.
Amanda Spielman's Speech at the 2018 AoC Annual Conference
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed Level 2 study programmes and the 2019 Education Inspection Framework at the Association of Colleges annual conference: It’s really good to be back. Thank you. I do appreciate you all still being here at the end of what I’ve no doubt has been a busy and stimulating 2 days. Speaking to you last year, I expressed my hope that it would be the first of many appearances; I am glad I am keeping my promise.
Amanda Spielman's Speech at the 2018 AoC Annual Conference
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed Level 2 study programmes and the 2019 Education Inspection Framework at the Association of Colleges annual conference: It’s really good to be back. Thank you. I do appreciate you all still being here at the end of what I’ve no doubt has been a busy and stimulating 2 days. Speaking to you last year, I expressed my hope that it would be the first of many appearances; I am glad I am keeping my promise.
Amanda Spielman's Speech at the 2018 AoC Annual Conference
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed Level 2 study programmes and the 2019 Education Inspection Framework at the Association of Colleges annual conference: It’s really good to be back. Thank you. I do appreciate you all still being here at the end of what I’ve no doubt has been a busy and stimulating 2 days. Speaking to you last year, I expressed my hope that it would be the first of many appearances; I am glad I am keeping my promise.
College bosses' 'unreasonable' demands cause stress
The threat of redundancies from college mergers and restructuring damages staff’s mental health, an education charity finds. A survey carried out by teacher wellbeing charity the Education Support Partnership shows that almost two thirds (63 per cent) of staff in FE colleges felt stressed at work. Of those that experienced a work-related mental health issue, 37 per cent blamed college restructuring and the threat of redundancy.
Amanda Spielman speech to the SCHOOLS NorthEast summit
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed the reasoning behind our proposals for the 2019 education inspection framework: Good morning and thank you for inviting me to be here today. I always like getting to the north of England – being from Scotland myself, it’s not quite all the way home, but it’s good to be here. And this isn’t my first time with you here.
Amanda Spielman speech to the SCHOOLS NorthEast summit
Ofsted's Chief Inspector discussed the reasoning behind our proposals for the 2019 education inspection framework: Good morning and thank you for inviting me to be here today. I always like getting to the north of England – being from Scotland myself, it’s not quite all the way home, but it’s good to be here. And this isn’t my first time with you here.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Amanda
Contact Amanda, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack