Ofted inspectors said the children’s ‘cultural development’ will be limited (Picture: SWNS)

Parents have been left outraged after a school missed out on the top Ofsted rating after inspectors deemed it ‘too English’.

Middle Rasen Primary School in Lincolnshire recently nearly achieved the top score in after an inspection, however instead of being branded ‘outstanding’ the school had to settle for ‘good’ after being marked down for not having enough enough ethnic diversity in their pupils.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors said: ‘Pupils’ cultural development is limited by lack of first hand experience of the diverse make-up of modern British society.’

Staff and parents say this is an unfair ruling, considering that the town of Market Rasen, where the school is based, has a population that is reportedly 97 per cent white English.




MORE: Disgruntled teachers threaten to boycott school Ofsted inspections

Head teacher Melonie Brunton said: ‘We are a rural and predominantly white area and school, so the inspector asked us to improve in this area.

‘It was a tiny aspect in what otherwise was a fantastic report on the school.’

Headteacher Melonie Brunton and the pupils of Middle Rasen Primary School still seem quite pleased with their ‘good’ rating (Picture: SWNS)

Ms Brunton added that despite the ethnic make-up of Lincolnshire, the children are well rounded pupils.

‘It doesn’t mean our children don’t know about other cultures and other types of people. We make sure they are all very well informed,’ she said.

An Ofsted spokesperson said: ‘All schools must teach pupils about fundamental British values including mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. That way they will be prepared for the future wherever they go.’

MORE: Ofsted finds schools were ‘targeted’ as part of Muslim takeover investigation

MORE: Muslim free school closes hours into Ofsted inspection ‘for health and safety reasons’