New heads, OFSTED inspections and the prospects for school improvement

Summary

Headteachers who regard themselves as ‘new’ do not feel as threatened by inspection as established heads and are more open to its possibilities. This paper reports these differences and examines their consequences for teaching staff. Its main purpose is to discuss whether OFSTED inspections can act effectively as catalysts for school improvement and as instruments of public accountability.

Keywords:

• primary school headteachers
• OFSTED inspection
• school improvement
• accountability