Ofsted Signals Report Card Changes, Wrack Takes NASUWT Helm

Welcome to The Daily School Leaders Briefing for Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025. Today's essential update for UK school leaders covers a significant development regarding Ofsted's controversial inspection reforms and confirms new leadership at the NASUWT teaching union.

Key Briefings Inside:

1. Ofsted Signals Rethink on Inspection Report Card Proposals: We report on Ofsted acknowledging for the first time that its proposed new inspection report card grading approach needs "simplifying" and that revisions are being considered. This follows strong criticism highlighted in an "Alternative Big Consultation" by former inspectors, where 90% of respondents rejected the planned five-point scale across 11 areas, particularly the top "exemplary" grade. Concerns about feasibility within inspections and lack of detail in proposed 'toolkits' were also raised, echoed by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). Understand the context of these proposed changes following the death of Ruth Perry and the ongoing official Ofsted consultation. Analyse what Ofsted's admission means for school leaders and the importance of continued engagement.

   Keywords: Ofsted inspection report cards 2025, Ofsted consultation, five-point grading scale criticism, exemplary Ofsted grade, Alternative Big Consultation Richards Norris, Ofsted simplification, inspection toolkits, CST Ofsted criticism, Ruth Perry inspection context.  

   
   

2. Matt Wrack Confirmed as New NASUWT General Secretary: Learn about the appointment of Matt Wrack, former Fire Brigades Union General Secretary and TUC President, as the new leader of the NASUWT teaching union, succeeding Dr Patrick Roach. Understand his background and initial statements focusing on teacher suffering under austerity, the need for urgent government investment in education (including pay), and tackling workload and behaviour to address the recruitment and retention crisis. Note that he takes leadership following the NASUWT conference mandate to ballot members immediately for industrial action over any unfunded pay award. Analyse the implications of this leadership change at a critical time for pay negotiations and potential strike action.

   Keywords: NASUWT General Secretary, Matt Wrack appointment, Dr Patrick Roach successor, Fire Brigades Union FBU, TUC President, teacher pay strike ballot mandate 2025, school funding austerity, teacher workload behaviour, recruitment retention crisis.  

   
   

Audience: This briefing provides vital information for Headteachers, Senior Leadership Teams (SLT), MAT Leaders, School Business Leaders (SBLs), Governors, and union representatives across the UK seeking timely analysis based strictly on reported developments.