Why Ofsted Is Inspecting a School Over an MP Visit
Ofsted launches an inspection after a school postponed a Jewish MP’s visit, raising concerns over intimidation, safeguarding, and discrimination in education.
A school is being investigated by Ofsted over concerns that it may have been pressured to cancel a visit by a Jewish MP.
Bristol Brunel Academy said it postponed Damian Egan's visit in September due to student safety concerns, as a planned pro-Palestinian protest was due to take place on the same day.
Ofsted's chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said he was "concerned about the message this sends to children – particularly those from the Jewish community" and said the criteria for an investigation had been met.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the move as "completely unacceptable," adding: "No MP should ever be prevented from doing their job because of their religion or background."
The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), which manages the school, had previously told the BBC that it decided to delay Mr Egan's visit after consulting with police regarding the protest planned by the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
A school spokesperson said: "We take our responsibilities to educate young people about British values very seriously, which is why we invited Mr Egan to speak to our students."
They added that Mr Egan's visit – who represents Bristol North East and is a member of the Labour Friends of Israel parliamentary group – had been rescheduled until news outlets reported the postponement.
Speaking about the decision to investigate the school, Sir Martyn said: "I was concerned to learn that a school may have been pressured to cancel a visit by their local MP."
He added: "Those of us fortunate enough to work in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination."
He said Ofsted inspectors visited the school on Thursday. 'Completely unacceptable'
Phillipson welcomed the investigation and said she had not ruled out further action against the school once Ofsted's findings were received.
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She said: "What happened to my colleague Damian Egan is shocking and completely unacceptable.
"There is no doubt that no MP should ever be prevented from doing their job because of their religion or background.
"Our schools should be places of safety and inclusion – not exclusion."
CLF is also investigating whether its inclusion and diversity coordinator, Saima Akhtar, shared discriminatory comments on social media. A CLF spokesperson said: "Promoting inclusion and rejecting discrimination are core values of CLF, and all staff are expected to uphold these values in their conduct both inside and outside of school." CLF said that staff members who breach its code of conduct may face disciplinary action, including dismissal. It also said that an external review of staff training has been commissioned.
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