Progressivism against the audit culture: the continuing case of Summerhill School versus OfSTED

Stronach, Ian (2005) Progressivism against the audit culture: the continuing case of Summerhill School versus OfSTED. In: First International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, 04 May 2005 - 07 May 2005, University of Illinois. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This is an account of how OfSTED tried to close down Summerhill School. It begins with the 1999 Inspection of the school, and the issuing of a 'Notice of Complaint' - a list of alleged inadequacies in the school. Failure to remedy these would have led to the closure of the school, or at the very least, the destruction of its freedoms. Summerhill appealed against these complaints, and the appeal was heard by a Tribunal in 2000. The Government backed out of the appeal after only three days. Summerhill then complained about the quality of inspection, an appeal that was largely dismissed by OFSTED, and then by an appeal adjudicator. It is clear that the events of 1999-2000 were a victory for the school. Equally, that victory is far from final and legal changes in 2003 once again threaten the philosophy and practices of Summerhill. This article vindicates the school's claims, and offers a comprehensive indictment of the inspectorial process. It is also a case study of the 'audit culture' in action, providing insight into the defective culture and ethos of government agencies, in particular the lengths they will go to in order to make sure that evidence and reason do not get in the way of policy and prejudice.