Overview
- Mr Justice Saini refused permission for judicial review, finding no arguable public law error and saying the dispute concerns policy choices and system design.
- NAHT called the decision disappointing and said it will consider an appeal and consult members on potential industrial action.
- Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver welcomed the outcome, saying the watchdog consulted extensively and will proceed with the rollout next week.
- The new framework replaces single-word judgments with five grades across six areas—plus a pass or fail for safeguarding—accompanied by narrative explanations.
- The NEU and ASCL supported NAHT’s case, which argued the consultation ruled out narrative-only verdicts and underestimated risks to staff wellbeing.