With the end of 2016 fast approaching, we asked the UK's top officials to look back at the year, outline their goals for 2017 – and shed some light on their festive favourites. Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, takes part in our annual perm secs round-up
What was your highlight of 2016?
As I step down as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector after five years in post, I am pleased to be able to report that school standards at both primary and secondary level have substantially risen. Two million more children and young people are now being taught in good or outstanding schools.
However, if we want to compete with the best educational jurisdictions in the world, we have to tackle two important issues. Firstly, we have to reduce regional variation in standards and ensure that children do not suffer from a postcode lottery. For example, children are much less likely to achieve a good secondary education in the North and in the Midlands than in London or many parts of the South of England. Coastal, rural and isolated areas have too many schools which languish in mediocrity. Secondly, the nation must address the skills gap. High quality, technical and vocational education must be an urgent priority for government if imported skills become more problematic for employers after Brexit. Those young people who do not want to pursue academic qualifications leading to university, but would rather pursue a vocational path leading to apprenticeships, need many more opportunities for high quality education and training.
"England’s education system is in a far stronger place than it was when Ofsted was created in 1992"
The University Technical Colleges initiative, pioneered by Lord Baker, needs more encouragement and support from government. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Norway have shown how high quality technical education can enjoy the same status as academic qualifications. We should replicate their good practice.
England’s education system is in a far stronger place than it was when Ofsted was created in 1992. Prior to its creation, generations of children were being let down by unaccountable and underachieving schools. Children now have a much better chance of a good education and the momentum of reform that we have seen over the last few years must be maintained.
What has been the most significant change in your organisation this year?
In March 2016 we announced that, over the next year, we would end the outsourcing of Ofsted’s Early Years inspections as we did last year for schools and FE inspections. This will give Ofsted greater control and ensure the quality of our inspections and our inspection workforce – whether in schools, nurseries, colleges or children’s services.
What will be the biggest challenge of 2017?
Ofsted, like all public services, is under increasing financial pressures. The main challenge for my successor next year will be continuing to deliver high quality inspections across our seven remits with a rapidly reducing budget.
What was the best Christmas present that you’ve ever given or received?
Christmas is best when it’s spent with family, but I never say no to a good bottle of scotch.
More: Perm secs round-up 2016 – Britain's top civil servants review the year and look ahead to 2017