Jonny Uttley, CEO of a leading academy trust, emphasized the necessity for school leaders to openly address the issue of schools that “curate their rolls” during a panel discussion at the recent Labour conference.
Uttley highlighted the importance of initiating a broader dialogue about the topic of inclusion in education. Responding to inquiries regarding the increase in students not attending school, he remarked, “Some schools make efforts to curate their rolls, and they do not actively seek to welcome every young person in their community.”
He stressed the need for “an honest, data-driven conversation” surrounding these practices. Furthermore, Uttley urged that it should be a responsibility of school leaders to “call out” schools that engage in such actions and to stop rewarding them for behaviors that have persisted for too long.
While he did not specify the exact practices he was referencing, Uttley has previously criticized the adverse effects of fair banding admission methods on school inclusivity.
A recent investigation by Schools Week uncovered alarming statistics, revealing how schools are turning away vulnerable students, setting caps on cohorts to limit in-year admissions, and unjustly denying entry to children in care.
Reports indicate that over 300,000 pupils are now missing from school, marking a staggering 41 percent increase since 2017.
Concerns Over Ofsted’s Approach to Inclusion
Uttley, who has conducted an inclusion review for the Centre for Young Lives, expressed disappointment regarding Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which he feels does not adequately address such critical issues.
An independent wellbeing report commissioned by Ofsted revealed stakeholder concerns that the new framework could exacerbate “selection at the point of entry,” thereby increasing the incentive for schools to engage in “cream-skimming.” This would lead to schools focused on inclusivity facing an ever more challenging student intake.
Georgia Gould, the newly appointed schools minister, shared her experiences meeting parents and students “eager to be in school,” only to discover that local schools cannot meet their needs. She emphasized, “It should be that every young person has access to an inclusive school in their community, capable of addressing their individual requirements. This principle must be central to any reforms.”
In conjunction with Ofsted’s new inspections, the government plans to introduce “school profiles” that will offer data reflecting the inclusivity of schools within local communities.
Building Support for Schools as Community Anchors
During the panel discussion, Gould asserted that schools “thrive as community anchors,” but acknowledged the immense pressure placed on teachers, who are often expected to address multiple challenges as other services withdraw.
“We need to provide wraparound support for teachers—whether through Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), youth services, or mentoring. It is essential that support is available when young people face challenges at home,” she added.
However, Gould also pointed to new initiatives such as Best Start Family hubs, school-based nurseries, free breakfast clubs, and the expansion of free school meals, labeling them as “fundamental to learning.”
“The opportunity to integrate services around individuals and communities—combining local health initiatives with investments in neighborhoods, centering schools within this framework— has transformative potential for families,” she noted. “The next phase of the opportunity mission will, therefore, put education and schools at the forefront of this broader supportive network, ensuring we collectively assist children at every stage to reach their full potential.”
