More schools failed by inspectors

David Bell: A combination of factors

There has been a sudden increase in the number of schools failed by inspectors.

England's education watchdog Ofsted says the number of schools placed in "special measures" because of their low performance was 46, up from 34 the previous year.

And the number of schools said to have "serious weaknesses" rose 30%, from 30 to 39.

But the government says overall, there has been a big cut in the number of failing schools since 1997.

Ofsted gave the figures to the Commons Education Select Committee.

Its chief inspector David Bell warned that it was too early to make firm judgements about why there had been an increase.

But he added that there was probably a combination of factors: "It is, dare I say it, a rather predictable load of problems - teaching not very good, leadership and management poor, governors not holding the school to account.

"What concerns me is that some of the issues emerging led to schools getting into difficulties five years ago and 10 years ago, but let's not judge and make too many conclusions," he told reporters.

Eliminated

A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "We have cut the number of failing schools and there has been a very significant decrease in number of schools in special measures from 515 in 97/98 to 282 02/03.

"Also instances of schools that consistently have a very high proportion of pupils failing to achieve five or more A*-C grades have been virtually eliminated.

"However, we continue to be relentless in targeting underperformance to raise standards in all schools."

Schools which are judged by Ofsted to have serious weaknesses are closely monitored by inspectors.

If they fail to improve, they can be placed on what is known as "special measures", where they are expected to impose an improvement plan.

Outsiders could also be brought in to overhaul the institution.

Schools which continue to fail can be closed the education secretary.

David Hart, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers said it would be wrong to conclude that standards were falling from the failure of such a small proportion of schools.

"We should remember that Ofsted's annual report said categorically that the vast majority of teaching was good or better and the quality of leadership and management of our schools had never been higher," he said.

"It does clearly mean that the government's drive to raise standards in those particular schools isn't working but the position nationally is one where the quality of teaching and leadership and management is the best it's ever been."