Wilshaw’s comments about secondary heads ‘unhelpful’

Wilshaw tols the Sunday Times: “A quarter of leaders in secondary schools are not good enough. We have to do something about that . . . I want high academic achievement, a culture of no excuses and an atmosphere of scholarship."

Hobby commented: "Sir Michael Wilshaw's comments are as unhelpful as they are inaccurate. They are belied by the statistics of his own inspectorate on leadership and behaviour. And even in schools rated 'requires improvement', many heads are doing excellent work in the most challenging circumstances. Sir Michael has added himself to the list of barriers they face.　

"The Chief Inspector has identified what he calls 'casual leadership'. Education and educators are just coming to terms with the government's 'coasting' term. They do not need yet another pejorative label. It is hard to imagine a job less casual than headship given the personal demands it makes of those who step up."

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, echoed Mr Hobby's comments: "Ofsted’s statements should be based on evidence, not assertion. Ofsted’s own figures and reports refute this claim.

"At a time when the recruitment of headteachers is exceptionally challenging with many posts attracting at best single figures this kind of sensationalist report does nothing to help us to achieve the ambitious vision headteachers are working so tirelessly to turn into a reality for our education system."