News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Sir-Michael-Wilshaw-main_article_image.jpg
REX/Robin Bell / Associated Newspapers
UK News

Schools chief defends Ofsted conduct at Christian schools

by Desmond Busteed

Earlier this year, watchdog Ofsted said it found evidence of homophobic and racist bullying at Grindon Hall, a Christian school in Sunderland. This prompted Ofsted to put the school into special measures.

Grindon Hall formally complained to Ofsted about the inspection, because inspectors asked pupils what lesbians "did".

The head teacher of Grindon Hall, Chris Gray, says the Ofsted inspection was "negative and hostile at every stage" and it was like the "data collected had to fit a predetermined outcome".

Ofsted also said it found evidence of bad behaviour, prejudice towards non-Christians and bullying at Durham Free School, a Christian school in north-east England.

The authority in charge of funding schools also said it had "serious concerns" about the way Durham Free School was managing its money.

This prompted the Department for Education to withdraw funding for Durham Free School, effectively closing it. Durham Free School has said it's contesting the decision.

Recently, MPs questioned Sir Wilshaw after they said they received several letters complaining their Christian schools were being unfairly targeted. In response, he categorically denied Ofsted was prejudiced against Christian schools.

Sir Michael Wilshaw said Ofsted inspectors are "well trained, vastly experienced professionals who absolutely understand the need to behave with sensitivity and integrity.

"This is particularly important when they are following up serious allegations of prejudice-based bullying and derogatory name-calling.

"Inspectors had to couch questions using age-appropriate language that the children would understand... to find out what was happening.

He also denied the claim that he was anti-faith schools. He said: "As a former headteacher of a Catholic secondary school, the charge that I am presiding over some sort of state-sponsored, anti-faith school "witch-hunt" would be laughable - were it not so serious.

"I have long been a staunch supporter and proponent of faith schools in this country, believing that they are a valuable and enduring feature of our education landscape.

"Let me offer this unequivocal reassurance - the vast majority of faith schools have nothing to fear either from Ofsted or from the recent guidance issued by the Department for Education on promoting British values as part of the curriculum."

Durham Free School parent, Billy Lau:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate