Too many teachers give dull and uninspiring lessons, says Ofsted

Ofsted's annual report, published yesterday, found the quality of teaching was too "variable" and not good enough in half of England's secondaries and in more than two-fifths of the country's primary schools.

Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert warned that boring lessons left youngsters unequipped to make the best of their lives.

Inspectors can rate schools in one of four categories: outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate.

Almost half of the schools inspected in the past year – 45 per cent – were judged to be either satisfactory or inadequate, the report found.

One in 12 schools were rated as inadequate.

In her fifth annual report, Ms Gilbert voiced concerns that many schools rated as satisfactory were not improving quickly enough and that the quality of schools varied between rich and poor areas.

"There is too much teaching that is dull and uninspiring," she said.

"It is true that we expect more from schools and colleges today and more from our teachers. But we also know a lot more about how to deliver good, inspiring lessons that motivate and engage children, young people and adult learners.

"It's vital that teachers are supported to provide them as a matter of course.

"A more intense focus on literacy in particular, but also on numeracy and communication technology is essential to establish strong foundations for adult learning."

The findings, which cover the academic year 2009/10, show that teaching is no better than satisfactory in half of the country's secondary schools and in 43 per cent of primaries.

The report also revealed that 52 schools and 131 nurseries and early years providers in Yorkshire were rated as outstanding.