INSPECTORS sent into Bristol Brunel Academy following a row over the cancellation of an MP’s visit have found “no evidence” of political bias.
Ofsted made a snap focused monitoring inspection in January, after Chief Inspector of Schools Sir Martyn Oliver said he was concerned the school “may have been intimidated” into cancelling Bristol North East MP Damien Egan’s planned visit to talk with pupils.
The team of four inspectors said they were investigating “a potential insufficient observance of the Department for Education’s ‘Political impartiality in schools’ guidance”.
However their report, issued two weeks after the inspection, said: “Inspectors found no evidence to substantiate these concerns within the school.”
Ofsted said that while the postponement of Mr Egan’s visit was not the subject of the inspection, “leaders openly referenced the decision” and their concerns about the safety of children, staff and visitors if a protest went ahead outside the school gates.
The inspectors said the school’s leaders and trustees have a “profound commitment” to providing an inclusive environment, promoting tolerance and respect for diversity.
“Staff, including those from minority groups, spoke of the harmonious and religiously tolerant atmosphere in the school.”
The inspectors said 143 parents had responded to a survey and were “overwhelmingly positive about their children’s experiences”.
Mr Egan said: “This is not about me so much as the democratic principle that MPs, of whatever party, should be able to go into schools in their constituencies.”