Tristram Hunt MP Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to reports that 14 academy chains have been barred from expanding by the DfE and on reported reforms to Ofsted school inspections, said:

“Labour announced last year that the government should give Ofsted the powers to inspect academy chains. In refusing to do so, Michael Gove is allowing underperformance to go unchecked.

"I welcome that Sir Michael Wilshaw is taking forward the debate on reforming the inspection framework so that it is rigorous and commands the confidence of parents, businesses and schools.”