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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Sally Weale Education correspondent

Disruptive behaviour in English schools worse since Covid, says outgoing Ofsted head

Amanda Spielman at desk with papers in front of her and whiteboard behind
Chief Ofsted inspector Amanda Spielman: ‘A lot of people have had a lot less socialisation.’ Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Behaviour in schools in England has deteriorated since the pandemic, with pupils refusing to comply with rules, talking back to teachers and walking out of class mid-lesson, the head of Ofsted says.

Suspensions for physical assault, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse have increased, with even primary schoolchildren being defiant and refusing to follow simple classroom instructions, such as to get out their books.

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