Gove's new free schools won't be inspected for at least two years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The standards of the Government's new flagship free schools will not be inspected for around two years after opening. Ofsted said yesterday that the schools will be visited earlier only if concerns are raised about their performance.
The National Union of Teachers said the move was "odd", adding that it would make sense for Ofsted to check newly established schools.
The move was revealed as Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the inspectorate was planning to scrap monitoring visits for newly opened academies.
Under the current system, schools – usually those rated outstanding or good – which "convert" to become academies, or academies that take over failing schools, receive a "Section 8 visit" a few months after opening to check on their progress. Sir Michael said these will be stopped. Instead, the academies will receive a usual full inspection when it is due.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments