Ofsted does snap inspection of Bristol school criticised for cancelling MP’s visit

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Richard Adams Education editorJanuary 15, 2026 at 06:48 PM

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Ofsted has launched a snap inspection of Bristol Brunel Academy after the school cancelled a visit by Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, due to concerns raised by a pro-Palestine group and some staff members. The visit, intended to educate students about democracy, was cancelled last September after the school learned of planned protests. The decision to cancel drew criticism from government officials, including Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who condemned the school's actions. Ofsted's chief inspector, Martyn Oliver, expressed concern about the message the cancellation sends, particularly to Jewish students, and initiated the inspection to assess the situation. Phillipson indicated that further action against the school may be considered following the inspection's findings.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jewish Labour Movement 40% Bristol North East 50% Cabot Learning Federation 50% Steve Reed 50% Labour Friends of Israel 60% National Education Union 60% Bridget Phillipson 60% Keir Starmer ×270% Martyn Oliver ×270% Bristol Brunel academy 80% Damien Egan ×385% Ofsted ×590%

Keywords

ofsted inspection 90% school visit cancellation 80% damien egan 70% bristol brunel academy 70% antisemitism 60% political pressure 50% national education union 50% education 40%