Trying to choose a school in England? Don’t rely on Ofsted reports

School leaders say parents should do their own homework to build an accurate picture of which is best for their child

• Ofsted's simplistic judgments' no longer fit for purpose, schools experts warn

If Ofsted inspection reports do not paint an accurate picture" of schools in England, how are parents able to choose one that suits their child? Headteachers and existing research suggests Ofsted judgments may not play as large a role as its defenders think.

Chris Ashley-Jones, the executive head of Hitherfield primary school in Streatham, south London, said he had shown 100 parents around the school during recent open days. Not a single one of them mentioned Ofsted," he said.