William Eichler 23 May 2019

Council schools get better Ofsted ratings than academies, report finds

Council-maintained schools are more likely to remain ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ than their academy counterparts, new research suggests.

A report by Angel Solutions looks at primary and secondary schools’ Ofsted grades over the past five years and compares those which remained council-maintained to those that academised.

It found that 90% (9,400) of schools remaining council-maintained have kept their ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating, compared to 81% (2,275) which converted to academies.

Looking at an overall sample of 12,814 schools which remained maintained, and 4,033 schools which academised, the report also found that council schools were more likely to improve under local authority control.

Around 88% (2,048) of the schools ‘requiring improvement’ or judged ‘inadequate’ in February 2014 which remained maintained became ‘good’/‘outstanding’ in 2019, compared with 59% (723) of the schools which converted to academies.

The report, commissioned by the Local Government Association, also found that 41% (502) of schools ‘requiring improvement’ or judged ‘inadequate’ in February 2014 which converted to academies still had the same rating in February 2019.

‘These findings clearly show that staying under council control delivers better results for a school than those which convert to an academy,’ said Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board.

‘Not only do more schools keep a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating if they remain maintained, but a significantly greater proportion are being turned around from struggling or failing into highly performing and successful schools.

‘While academisation might be the answer in some cases, it is not always the best solution. Councils have an excellent track record in improving schools, and need to be given the necessary powers to intervene and support schools.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner