Whilst this report highlights progress and successes in the education system, it also points to problems and weaknesses. The document aims to add to the understanding of what is happening so as to help teachers, parents and policymakers play their part in raising educational standards.

Whilst this report highlights progress and successes in the education system, it also points to problems and weaknesses. The document aims to add to the understanding of what is happening so as to help teachers, parents and policymakers play their part in raising educational standards. It refers to a variety of standards and the areas in which they need to be improved, estimating that about one in 10 secondary schools requires improvements, that there is insufficient direct teaching in many primary schools, and there are problems with information technology, especially in secondary schools. It says that a higher proportion of special schools have significant weaknesses. The report concludes on a more positive note by pointing out that there is a changing culture in schools and that the great majority of schools are orderly communities with good teacher-pupil relationships.

Commentary and proposals for action by OFSTED
primary schools
secondary schools
school sixth forms
special schools
schools subject to special measures and schools with serious weaknesses
youth work and adult education
teacher education and training
local education authority (LEA) support for raising achievement.