“This research demonstrates that those working in FE colleges share many of the same frustrations with Ofsted as their counterparts in the school sector. It is therefore disappointing that some of the recent positive changes, such as the removal of single headline grades, currently apply solely to schools in the state sector with no timescale for a wider rollout. We strongly encourage the DfE to consult with colleges and other settings as a matter of urgency about how to improve inspection for them in the short term, ahead of the introduction of the new accountability system based on report cards.
“FE colleges have felt sidelined in decisions about accountability. It’s vital that the new system is based around an agreed set of standards following consultation with the whole of the education sector.”