27/06/2003

Ofsted report notes improved school leadership

The proportion of headteachers providing excellent leadership and management in schools has doubled over the last five years, according to a new Office for Standards in Education report published today.

The report, 'Leadership and Management: What Inspection Tells Us', has found that the quality of leadership and management in schools has improved significantly over the last five years – with the proportion of schools with 'very good or excellent' leadership and management more than doubling since 1996/97.

In 2001/02 leadership and management was 'very good or excellent' in 40% of primary schools and 47% of secondary schools compared to 15% and 19% respectively in 1996/97.

Launching today's report at the St Thomas More RC School Teaching and Learning Conference in Gateshead, the Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell said: "The most effective schools are distinguished by leadership that is inspirational, with a strong commitment to the school, its pupils and the community.

"I hope Ofsted's inspection evidence and the best practice examples outlined in today's report will help headteachers continue to develop their leadership and management skills for the future benefit of the staff and pupils alike."

The inspection shows that leadership and management is 'good or better' in 76% of primary schools and 84% of secondary schools.

Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England.

(GMcG)

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