Rise in number of state schools judged to be inadequate

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A tougher inspection system that cracks down on weak schools saw a surge in the number judged to be "inadequate".

Ofsted is focusing on standards of teaching, with inspectors spending more time in the classroom. A quarter of schools received worse reports under the new system than before. The Ofsted figures for the autumn term last year showed:

14 per cent of secondary schools and 10 per cent of primaries inspected were "inadequate".

Only eight per cent of secondaries and six per cent of primaries in England were outstanding.

250 schools were in "special measures", the watchdog's lowest category, which means they face closure if they fail to improve.

Chief inspector of education Christine Gilbert said it was right to get tough and focus more on inspecting failing schools. "We want every child to go to a good school," she said. "It is right for Ofsted to hold higher expectations on behalf of pupils and parents."

Headteachers say the tougher system is unfair. Inspectors now spend twice as long monitoring lessons and schools are asked to identify their own strengths and weaknesses before their visit.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls said the Government made "no apology" for Ofsted "raising the bar". Schools graded outstanding are inspected only every five years while weaker schools are now inspected more often.