ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the nature and functioning of the Ofsted and Teacher Training Agency (TTA) processes. It shows how the publishing of league tables and inspection reports act as powerful mechanisms for establishing and maintaining the government views on education. The 1992 Education (Schools) Act inaugurated new national arrangements for the inspection of schools by Ofsted, an ostensibly independent body but one which nonetheless appears to operate within the value boundaries of marketisation and managerialism. School self-evaluation needs to be based upon carefully collected and thoroughly analysed data about such factors as pupil attainments, attendance and behaviour as well as data from pupils themselves. The nature and quality of the consultation processes associated with the development of Standards and career gateways are revealing. The General Teaching Council for England was legislated for in 1998 and began to operate in 2000. It is time for teachers to re-assemble and re-define their professionalism which extends beyond simply being 'good' in the classroom.
