Ofsted rejects concerns of “insufficient observance of political impartiality” at Bristol school criticised for cancelling MP visit

The inspection, which took place between 15 and 16 of January, sought to examine how the school is run day to day in line with statutory duties on political impartiality, curriculum breadth and pupils’ personal development.

According to The Guardian, MP Damien Egan, who is Jewish and a member of Labour Friends of Israel, was to speak to pupils about democracy and the role of MPs last September, but the school postponed the event after it learned of plans for a protest.

In its inspection report, Ofsted said: “Leaders openly referenced the decision to postpone the MP visit, explaining to inspectors that there were concerns about the safety of children, staff and visitors, resulting from a threatened protest outside the school gates.

“The MP’s visit was rearranged. The MP has visited four other schools within the Trust and leaders are keen for him to visit this one.”

According to the report, the Trust has agreed to commission an independent review, following a recommendation from the Department for Education.

In its findings relating to the curriculum, Ofsted inspectors found no evidence of “partisan political views”.

The report said: “The personal, social, health and economic education curriculum covers a wide range of age-appropriate topics and is well embedded. For example, in Year 7 English, identity is one of the first topics pupils cover and this evolves into an appreciation of cultural diversity across all year groups.

“[…] Staff do not shy away from dealing with contentious issues, but do so in a balanced and accurate way, discussing different perspectives and viewpoints.”

At the conclusion of the report, leaders and those responsible for governance at the school were told to “continue to keep under review the approach to political impartiality, with specific reference to visitors and events, in line with the Department for Education’s ‘Political impartiality in schools’ guidance.”

Lottie Winson