{"id":247517,"date":"2026-06-11T23:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T22:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schoolsweek.co.uk\/?p=247517"},"modified":"2026-06-12T20:46:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T19:46:59","slug":"grammar-schools-are-inclusive-says-ofsted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schoolsweek.co.uk\/grammar-schools-are-inclusive-says-ofsted\/","title":{"rendered":"Grammar schools are inclusive, says Ofsted"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ofsted has branded every grammar school inspected so far under its new framework as inclusive, prompting a backlash from social mobility campaigners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Schools with very small numbers of pupils with SEND and with free school meals rates at a fraction of the national average are among those judged as \u2018expected standard\u2019 or even \u2018strong standard\u2019 for inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspectors began rating schools on inclusion when the new framework launched last year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ofsted\u2019s <\/span>inspection <\/span>toolkit states that<\/span>,<\/span> when looking at inclusion, inspector<\/span>s should <\/span>consider how schools\u00a0identify and support disadvantaged pupils, pupils with SEND, those known to children\u2019s social care and children who \u201cmay face other barriers to their learning and\/or wellbeing\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the watchdog does not <\/span>take into account<\/span> a school\u2019s admissions<\/span> policy<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Strong standard’<\/h2>\n

Schools Week<\/span><\/em>\u00a0<\/em>analysis found that<\/span>,<\/span> of 11 grammar schools inspected so far under the new framework<\/a>, eight were rated \u2018strong standard\u2019 for inclusion, the second highest grade, while the rest met the \u2018expected standard\u2019, the middle of five grades.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grammar school leaders have defended their record, arguing <\/span>that <\/span>glowing Ofsted reports reflect inclusion efforts for their cohorts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But Nuala Burgess, chair of the campaign group Comprehensive Future<\/a>, said: \u201cIf Ofsted is giving a gold star for inclusion to schools that exclude most local children<\/span>,<\/span> they clearly don’t understand the meaning of the word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester was rated \u2018strong standard\u2019 across the board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For inclusion, inspectors noted <\/span>that <\/span>leaders \u201censure that staff are well trained to identify pupils’ needs swiftly, including when needs may not be obvious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis has led to an increase in the number of pupils identified for support. Teachers act effectively to remove barriers in the classroom, such as providing pupils with additional time to process their thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n