Julie McCulloch
@juliemcculloch.bsky.social
Senior Director of Strategy, Policy and Professional Development at the Association of School & College Leaders (ASCL). Views my own.
I'm pleased to publish this new @ascl-uk.bsky.social report. The policy team has been working with ASCL Council to explore the many responsibilities schools and colleges have felt the need to take on over the last few years, as poverty rises and wider children's and family services crumble. 1/7
“More needs to be done to clearly distinguish where the core responsibilities of #education staff start and end."
Today, we launch our new paper, A Roadmap to a Sustainable Education System.
➡️Press release: ow.ly/Nv6O50WP8HZ
➡️Download report www.ascl.org.uk/RoadmapSustainableEducation
#policy
Today, we launch our new paper, A Roadmap to a Sustainable Education System.
➡️Press release: ow.ly/Nv6O50WP8HZ
➡️Download report www.ascl.org.uk/RoadmapSustainableEducation
#policy
September 2, 2025 at 8:05 AM
I'm pleased to publish this new @ascl-uk.bsky.social report. The policy team has been working with ASCL Council to explore the many responsibilities schools and colleges have felt the need to take on over the last few years, as poverty rises and wider children's and family services crumble. 1/7
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
Unions @naht.org.uk and @ascl-uk.bsky.social are considering asking members to stop working as Ofsted inspectors amid concerns over report card plans
Unions could ask school leaders to quit as Ofsted inspectors
ASCL and NAHT set out ‘unprecedented step’ being considered in letter to education secretary
www.tes.com
June 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Unions @naht.org.uk and @ascl-uk.bsky.social are considering asking members to stop working as Ofsted inspectors amid concerns over report card plans
Many educationalists - including @ascl-uk.bsky.social - share parents' support for report cards. But they'll only deliver the benefits we want to see if they're accurate & reliable, and if they improve recruitment & retention by reducing pressure. Our concern is that Ofsted's approach does neither.
Sir Martyn Oliver will also tell an event run by Parentkind that new report cards would be 'much closer to a child’s school report', insisting they would give a 'more balanced picture of schools'
Parents 'seem to support' new report cards, Oliver claims
Chief inspector to point to YouGov polling of parents as leaders continue to urge him to think again
buff.ly
March 26, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Many educationalists - including @ascl-uk.bsky.social - share parents' support for report cards. But they'll only deliver the benefits we want to see if they're accurate & reliable, and if they improve recruitment & retention by reducing pressure. Our concern is that Ofsted's approach does neither.
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
Important from @ascl-uk.bsky.social Many members are inspectors and share concerns that plans are flawed. This deep thinking on accountability is needed. To be great leaders we need to be held to account reliably, fairly and consistently. schoolsweek.co.uk/ascl-floats-...
@schoolsweek.bsky.social
@schoolsweek.bsky.social
ASCL floats '3+ point' grading scale for Ofsted
Union warns Ofsted's five-point grading plan would leave leaders 'in a worse position than they are now'
schoolsweek.co.uk
March 25, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Important from @ascl-uk.bsky.social Many members are inspectors and share concerns that plans are flawed. This deep thinking on accountability is needed. To be great leaders we need to be held to account reliably, fairly and consistently. schoolsweek.co.uk/ascl-floats-...
@schoolsweek.bsky.social
@schoolsweek.bsky.social
Thanks @johngroberts.bsky.social, @jasminenorden.bsky.social & @cerysturner.bsky.social for this summary of @ascl-uk.bsky.social's responses to the Ofsted and DfE accountability consultations.
The introduction of Ofsted’s new inspection system should be delayed, says @ascl-uk.bsky.social – warning that it will cause greater anxiety for heads and make judgements less reliable
Delay Ofsted report cards and school profiles, heads urge
Ofsted’s plan for inspection report cards will cause greater anxiety for heads and make judgements less reliable, warns ASCL
www.tes.com
March 25, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Thanks @johngroberts.bsky.social, @jasminenorden.bsky.social & @cerysturner.bsky.social for this summary of @ascl-uk.bsky.social's responses to the Ofsted and DfE accountability consultations.
We “are committed to robust accountability for schools and colleges, but disagree that this approach is the right way to achieve that end.” Thanks
@fcdwhittaker.bsky.social for this detailed write-up of the key points in @ascl-uk.bsky.social’s response to Ofsted’s consultation on inspection reform.
@fcdwhittaker.bsky.social for this detailed write-up of the key points in @ascl-uk.bsky.social’s response to Ofsted’s consultation on inspection reform.
The @ascl-uk.bsky.social leaders' union has floated the idea of a '3+ point scale' for Ofsted judgments, as it called on the government and inspectorate to delay reforms to 2026
It warned current plans will leave leaders 'in a worse position than they are now'
schoolsweek.co.uk/ascl-floats-...
It warned current plans will leave leaders 'in a worse position than they are now'
schoolsweek.co.uk/ascl-floats-...
ASCL floats '3+ point' grading scale for Ofsted
Union warns Ofsted's five-point grading plan would leave leaders 'in a worse position than they are now'
schoolsweek.co.uk
March 25, 2025 at 3:17 PM
We “are committed to robust accountability for schools and colleges, but disagree that this approach is the right way to achieve that end.” Thanks
@fcdwhittaker.bsky.social for this detailed write-up of the key points in @ascl-uk.bsky.social’s response to Ofsted’s consultation on inspection reform.
@fcdwhittaker.bsky.social for this detailed write-up of the key points in @ascl-uk.bsky.social’s response to Ofsted’s consultation on inspection reform.
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
ASCL FE Advisory Board member and College Principal and CEO @darrenhankey.bsky.social appeared as a witness at today's Education Select Committee session to discuss 'Are young people being offered the right opportunities and support to excel in their futures?'
💻 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
💻 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
March 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
ASCL FE Advisory Board member and College Principal and CEO @darrenhankey.bsky.social appeared as a witness at today's Education Select Committee session to discuss 'Are young people being offered the right opportunities and support to excel in their futures?'
💻 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
💻 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
We've partnered with @ascl-uk.bsky.social for a panel at #LibDem Spring conference looking at Ofsted's school report card plans.
Highlights below👇
Highlights below👇
March 22, 2025 at 4:08 PM
We've partnered with @ascl-uk.bsky.social for a panel at #LibDem Spring conference looking at Ofsted's school report card plans.
Highlights below👇
Highlights below👇
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
The next stage of the Curriculum and Assessment Review will look to create a more inclusive and fair system, address subject-specific challenges, and assess available pathways beyond GCSEs.
Find out more ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/p...
Find out more ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/p...
Curriculum and Assessment Review: interim report
An independent review of the curriculum and assessment system in England, with statistical analysis.
www.gov.uk
March 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The next stage of the Curriculum and Assessment Review will look to create a more inclusive and fair system, address subject-specific challenges, and assess available pathways beyond GCSEs.
Find out more ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/p...
Find out more ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/p...
Great summary of the main stories from #ASCL2025. Lovely to see you and the rest of the @tesmagazine.bsky.social team, Charlotte.
Gregg’s sausage rolls, awkward silences & villains: all the @tesmagazine.bsky.social stories from #ASCL2025 in 1 thread.
First up: @cerysturner.bsky.social interviewed Ascl gen sec @pepediiasio.bsky.social who warned planned Ofsted reforms would effectively kill off Labour's 6,500 teachers pledge.
First up: @cerysturner.bsky.social interviewed Ascl gen sec @pepediiasio.bsky.social who warned planned Ofsted reforms would effectively kill off Labour's 6,500 teachers pledge.
Ofsted plans will ‘sledgehammer’ teacher recruitment, warns ASCL
Speaking to Tes as ASCL’s annual conference begins, general secretary Pepe Di’Iasio issues a warning about Ofsted’s inspection changes and calls on the government to ‘show the money’ for its pledge to...
www.tes.com
March 15, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Great summary of the main stories from #ASCL2025. Lovely to see you and the rest of the @tesmagazine.bsky.social team, Charlotte.
@sineadmc.bsky.social urges us all to focus on what we can change, and to 'hold lightly' what we can't. And I love her suggestion that people consider their membership of organisations like ASCL as outsourcing their desire to influence the wider system. We do our best to do that for you. #ASCL2025
March 15, 2025 at 12:38 PM
@sineadmc.bsky.social urges us all to focus on what we can change, and to 'hold lightly' what we can't. And I love her suggestion that people consider their membership of organisations like ASCL as outsourcing their desire to influence the wider system. We do our best to do that for you. #ASCL2025
The fabulous @sineadmc.bsky.social is now on stage at #ASCL2025, sharing some worrying stats about the mental health and wellbeing of school and college staff and the reasons behind these, including the decimation of wider services and the pressures of a high-stakes, low-trust accountability system.
March 15, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The fabulous @sineadmc.bsky.social is now on stage at #ASCL2025, sharing some worrying stats about the mental health and wellbeing of school and college staff and the reasons behind these, including the decimation of wider services and the pressures of a high-stakes, low-trust accountability system.
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
Not already an ASCL member? Ruth is ready to let you know all about our special #ASCL2025 joining offer.
Representatives from our member support and professional development teams and leaders' networks are also on hand to answer any queries.
We're in Hall 2 and looking forward to seeing you!
Representatives from our member support and professional development teams and leaders' networks are also on hand to answer any queries.
We're in Hall 2 and looking forward to seeing you!
March 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Not already an ASCL member? Ruth is ready to let you know all about our special #ASCL2025 joining offer.
Representatives from our member support and professional development teams and leaders' networks are also on hand to answer any queries.
We're in Hall 2 and looking forward to seeing you!
Representatives from our member support and professional development teams and leaders' networks are also on hand to answer any queries.
We're in Hall 2 and looking forward to seeing you!
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
#ASCL2025 - @tomrees.bsky.social provides more information about the launch of @inclusioninpractice.org.uk, where inclusive education is a national priority—and a shared responsibility.
You can read more here: inclusioninpractice.org.uk
#inclusion #education
You can read more here: inclusioninpractice.org.uk
#inclusion #education
Inclusion in Practice
An inclusive education hub, to bring together examples of what successful inclusion looks like in practice.
inclusioninpractice.org.uk
March 15, 2025 at 10:32 AM
#ASCL2025 - @tomrees.bsky.social provides more information about the launch of @inclusioninpractice.org.uk, where inclusive education is a national priority—and a shared responsibility.
You can read more here: inclusioninpractice.org.uk
#inclusion #education
You can read more here: inclusioninpractice.org.uk
#inclusion #education
Next at #ASCL2025, our SEND & Inclusion Specialist @mmulholland.bsky.social interviews @tomrees.bsky.social, Chair of DfE's
Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion. Tom says we need to acknowledge that the current system just isn't working, despite the best efforts of all those working within it.
Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion. Tom says we need to acknowledge that the current system just isn't working, despite the best efforts of all those working within it.
March 15, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Next at #ASCL2025, our SEND & Inclusion Specialist @mmulholland.bsky.social interviews @tomrees.bsky.social, Chair of DfE's
Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion. Tom says we need to acknowledge that the current system just isn't working, despite the best efforts of all those working within it.
Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion. Tom says we need to acknowledge that the current system just isn't working, despite the best efforts of all those working within it.
Chair of the Curriculum & Assessment Review @beckyfrancis.bsky.social tells #ASCL2025 what she & the team have heard as they’ve consulted over the last few months. There’s strong support from educators & families for the ‘evolution not revolution’ approach, but also a clear sense of changes needed.
March 15, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Chair of the Curriculum & Assessment Review @beckyfrancis.bsky.social tells #ASCL2025 what she & the team have heard as they’ve consulted over the last few months. There’s strong support from educators & families for the ‘evolution not revolution’ approach, but also a clear sense of changes needed.
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
General secretary @pepediiasio.bsky.social tells #ASCL2025 that the last thing the sector needs is an inspection system that “intensifies the pressures they face”.
“And yet incredibly that’s exactly what is being proposed.”
“We support the principle of report cards - but not like this.”
“And yet incredibly that’s exactly what is being proposed.”
“We support the principle of report cards - but not like this.”
March 15, 2025 at 9:39 AM
General secretary @pepediiasio.bsky.social tells #ASCL2025 that the last thing the sector needs is an inspection system that “intensifies the pressures they face”.
“And yet incredibly that’s exactly what is being proposed.”
“We support the principle of report cards - but not like this.”
“And yet incredibly that’s exactly what is being proposed.”
“We support the principle of report cards - but not like this.”
To applause from delegates at #ASCL2025, General Secretary Pepe Di’Iasio proposes a simpler, fairer, more intelligent approach to implementing school report cards.
You can read more about this proposal here: www.ascl.org.uk/ASCL/media/A...
You can read more about this proposal here: www.ascl.org.uk/ASCL/media/A...
March 15, 2025 at 9:48 AM
To applause from delegates at #ASCL2025, General Secretary Pepe Di’Iasio proposes a simpler, fairer, more intelligent approach to implementing school report cards.
You can read more about this proposal here: www.ascl.org.uk/ASCL/media/A...
You can read more about this proposal here: www.ascl.org.uk/ASCL/media/A...
ASCL General Secretary @pepediiasio.bsky.social opens Day 2 of #ASCL2025 by referencing two of our Association's founding mothers- the formidable Frances Mary Buss and Sophie Bryant.
March 15, 2025 at 9:37 AM
ASCL General Secretary @pepediiasio.bsky.social opens Day 2 of #ASCL2025 by referencing two of our Association's founding mothers- the formidable Frances Mary Buss and Sophie Bryant.
Sir Martyn Oliver references the recommendation in ASCL's Blueprint for a Fairer Education System for a balanced scorecard - but disagrees with our suggestion that schools & colleges should be evaluated as simply having met or not met standards in different aspects of education. #ASCL2025
March 14, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Sir Martyn Oliver references the recommendation in ASCL's Blueprint for a Fairer Education System for a balanced scorecard - but disagrees with our suggestion that schools & colleges should be evaluated as simply having met or not met standards in different aspects of education. #ASCL2025
HMCI Sir Martyn Oliver tells @ASCL2025 that it's really important that serving school and college leaders respond to Ofsted'current consultation. ASCL will be submitting our response, and sharing it with members, next week.
March 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
HMCI Sir Martyn Oliver tells @ASCL2025 that it's really important that serving school and college leaders respond to Ofsted'current consultation. ASCL will be submitting our response, and sharing it with members, next week.
Really welcome recognition from the Secretary of State that many of the challenges schools are currently facing can't be fixed within schools themselves, but need wider system reform. #ASCL2025
March 14, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Really welcome recognition from the Secretary of State that many of the challenges schools are currently facing can't be fixed within schools themselves, but need wider system reform. #ASCL2025
ASCL General Secretary @pepediiasio.bsky.social asks the Secretary of State her views on Ofsted's reform plans. She says we need smarter and more effective accountability, which identifies in a much more granular way what schools are doing well and where they need to improve.
March 14, 2025 at 11:06 AM
ASCL General Secretary @pepediiasio.bsky.social asks the Secretary of State her views on Ofsted's reform plans. She says we need smarter and more effective accountability, which identifies in a much more granular way what schools are doing well and where they need to improve.
Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson is up next at #ASCL2025. She talks about what we need to enable all children to succeed - great teachers, a curriculum that's fit for purpose, to tackle the attendance crisis, and strong and effective structures and accountability.
March 14, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson is up next at #ASCL2025. She talks about what we need to enable all children to succeed - great teachers, a curriculum that's fit for purpose, to tackle the attendance crisis, and strong and effective structures and accountability.
Reposted by Julie McCulloch
"..the proposed changes to the #Ofsted framework feel like a kick in the teeth. We're already under enormous pressure, balancing the needs of our students with increasingly limited resources. More accountability, more high-stakes scrutiny won’t solve the recruitment and retention crisis."
#ASCL2025
#ASCL2025
March 14, 2025 at 10:28 AM