Doubts over school behaviour in study

More than one in five schools (21.3 per cent) was judged to be either just "satisfactory" or "inadequate" in terms of pupil behaviour by Ofsted inspectors last year, according to statistics published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

In total, 641 schools in England were given "satisfactory" ratings, while 36 were deemed "inadequate". The figures include schools given an Ofsted grade for behaviour in 2009.

Just over half (53.3 per cent) – some 1,689 schools – were rated "good" while one in four (25.3 per cent) – 803 schools – were judged "outstanding".

In September last year, Ofsted's methods for inspections, including judging pupil behaviour, were changed.

The figures show that of those schools inspected under the old framework, 80 per cent were judged good or outstanding.

But of those inspected under the new methods (from September to December), just 66.9 per cent were given this rating.

The statistics also reveal differences between regions.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, eight schools (2.7 per cent) were deemed inadequate for behaviour and a third – 91 schools – were simply satisfactory.