Pupils ‘not prepared for life in modern Britain’ say Ofsted

Unannounced visits to the unnamed schools revealed that the establishments were failing to teach students respect for faiths and communities other than their own, the Chief Inspector of Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw, said.

The schools were among 35 across the country which received ‘no-notice’ visits in September.

However, Sir Michael has written to Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, saying he stands by his decision last month to rule out snap inspections at all schools, which was considered in the wake of reports into the alleged Trojan horse takeover plot by hardline Muslims at a number of Birmingham schools.

Sir Michael criticised those who suggested the findings were “political correctness”, adding that Ofsted would not penalise a school just because a certain heritage or religion was predominant.

He said: “It’s nonsense, for example, to suggest we would mark down a school for being ‘too white’. We simply want to ensure children are receiving a good education and are being prepared for life in modern Britain.”

A Department for Education spokesman said it wants every school to promote “basic British values,” including mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

The targeted use of unannounced inspections remains an important part of Ofsted’s overall approach, he added.