Ofsted in the Spotlight: Unveiling the Factors Behind School Ratings

This article delves into the scrutiny surrounding Ofsted ratings, exploring factors influencing school evaluations. Despite criticisms, parents heavily rely on these ratings, impacting housing prices and holding school leaders accountable. An analysis of data from over 10,000 English schools reveals London schools are 8% more likely to receive an "Outstanding" rating. Primary schools with early years provision show a 7% decrease in this likelihood, while those with sixth forms are 4% less likely. The findings prompt a re-evaluation of Ofsted's simplicity, suggesting a more comprehensive assessment considering factors beyond academic results for a fairer and more informative evaluation.

UK on the defensive

Navigating the 2% Target maze

Delve into the complexities of UK defense spending with our in-depth exploration. Unpacking the 2% GDP target set by NATO, we scrutinise the UK's commitment, trends, and challenges. Despite economic fluctuations, the UK consistently surpasses the NATO benchmark. International comparisons reveal intriguing patterns, with Eastern bloc nations allocating higher spending. As geopolitical tensions rise, questions about the target's effectiveness intensify. Is it a performative gesture, or does it genuinely enhance security? The blog navigates through the intricacies, prompting reflection on the evolving role of defense spending in a dynamically changing world.

Is the labour market ready for a cut in interest rates?

Inflation is down and unemployment is up. The Bank of England must be considering whether now is the right time to lower interest rates? 

We take a look at the labour market and assess whether the inflationary risk is worth taking to give the economy the extra stimulus. Spoiler alert! We think they're already too late...

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