CBI asks Ofsted to assess character

John Cridland of the CBI calls for assessment of character educationCBI leader calls for Ofsted to assess character education

John Cridland, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has argued that school inspections should focus on whether schools are producing “well rounded people” rather than exam outcomes.

Speaking to an audience of academics, Cridland said that:

changing the inspection framework to ensure an equal focus on how schools are supporting the development of key attitudes and behaviour as on the more traditional academic measures would be a good first step in producing the well rounded young people business needs.

The Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, has emphasised previously her commitment to character education and the Department for Education announced the recipients of funding from its character grants scheme last week.

For more discussion of how governors can ensure their school is promoting their pupils’ personal development, see this recent Governing Matters article: Character education (NGA Membership required to access).