Former inspector says Ofsted statement that most England state schools are good is ‘nonsense’

Former chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw said it was ‘nonsense’ that nine out of 10 state schools in England were ‘good’. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian

The former chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw has poured scorn on Ofsted’s judgment that almost nine out of 10 state schools in England are “good”, describing it as “complete nonsense”.

According to the latest official statistics, 88% of schools were judged to be either “good” or “outstanding” by the schools inspectorate as of the end of last December, but Wilshaw told MPs that having visited some of those awarded a “good” rating by Ofsted, he did not agree.