Ofsted survey, said to show “vast majority” of headteachers valued inspections this term, was based on responses so far from only 40 per cent of schools

An Ofsted survey, apparently showing a high proportion of school leaders were satisfied with the experience of inspection this term, appears to have been based on responses from only about 40 per cent of the inspected schools.

On Monday, the inspectorate published a press release which it said showed that “88% of leaders were satisfied with the overall process of their inspection, and 91% thought that their inspection will help them improve.”

Amanda Spielman, chief inspector of schools, was quoted saying: “our inspections are intended to be constructive and supportive, so I’m pleased that our survey results show that they are valued by the vast majority of school leaders who have experienced one this term.”

Ofsted’s detailed post-inspection survey data does indeed show strong support for the inspection process, among those leaders of schools which had been inspected this term, and who had completed the post-inspection survey.

Some 68 per cent had strongly agreed with the statement “Overall, I am satisfied with the way the inspection was carried out,” with a further 20 per cent agreeing and only 12 per cent disagreeing. Some 79 per cent agreed – 49 per cent strongly – with the statement “the benefits of my inspection outweigh any negative aspects”.