Ofsted finds no political bias at Bristol school criticised for cancelling MP’s visit

A snap inspection of a Bristol secondary school criticised for postponing a visit by an MP who is a member of a group that advocates for Israel has found “no evidence of partisan political views”.Ofsted inspectors arrived at Bristol-brunel-academy" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="12003" data-entity-type="organization">Bristol Brunel academy earlier this month after reports that its leaders had called off a visit by Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol-north-east" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="11452" data-entity-type="location">Bristol North East, after opposition from a pro-Palestine group and members of staff belonging to the National Education Union (NEU).Keir Starmer previously told MPs: “We will be holding to account those who prevented this visit to this school.”Egan, who is Jewish and a member of Israel" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="11450" data-entity-type="organization">Labour Friends of Israel, was to speak to pupils about democracy and the role of MPs last September, but the school postponed the event after it learned of plans for a protest.Pro-Palestine activists and NEU members said they opposed the visit because of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.Inspectors spent two days assessing the school, examining policy, culture and curriculum, and hearing the views of 135 staff and 143 parents – all of whom were “overwhelmingly positive” about Bristol Brunel.Their report, which was published on Wednesday, said: “Inspectors found no evidence of partisan political views.”It said the inspection had been held to examine whether the school’s day-to-day running was in line with statutory duties on political impartiality, curriculum breadth and pupils’ personal development.“Differences are celebrated through assemblies, and special ‘pop ups’, which cover different geographical locations, cultures and religious beliefs. This includes sharing perspectives about ‘show racism the red card’, Pride month, migration and National Holocaust Memorial Day,” the report said.“No discrimination is tolerated; this was evidenced in discussions with pupils and staff and in their responses to Ofsted’s confidential surveys.”Inspectors said leaders and trustees demonstrated a profound commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment that promotes “tolerance and respect for the diversity of modern Britain”.“Leaders at this school ensure political impartiality in the curriculum and teaching,” the report said. “If leaders’ high expectations are not met by staff or pupils, quick action is taken.”It said no member of staff the inspectors spoke to was aware of a proposed staff-led protest against Egan’s visit.