Ray Mallon has blasted schools regulator Ofsted and claimed Middlesbrough's schools have received a "raw deal" from the watchdog.
Mr Mallon told councillors he had visited all seven secondary schools in the town recently and said: “Actually I think they’re not bad. In fact I think they’re pretty good.
“I think they have got a real good future and I have got confidence in all seven secondary schools. I have got confidence in the headteachers and teaching staff.
“I will tell you who I don’t have confidence in - Ofsted.”
The mayor said that some inspectors were “very good” but others were “frankly dysfunctional” adding that some of the town’s schools had received a “raw deal” from the education watchdog.
His tirade on Ofsted followed a comment from Cllr Joan McTigue, Beechwood ward councillor, who said that if more high end houses were built in the town then those buyers would want a private school to send their children.
He disagreed with the comment saying that people generally could only afford to either live in a more expensive house or send their children to a private school and most chose the property.
The last Ofsted ratings for Middlesbrough's secondary schools are: Acklam Grange School - Requires Improvement; Macmillan Academy - Good; Ormesby School - Requires Improvement; Outwood Academy - awaiting first Ofsted inspection; The King’s Academy - Good; Trinity Catholic College - Requires Improvement; Unity City Academy - Good.
Mr Mallon was speaking last night at the first full meeting of Middlesbrough Council where filming was allowed.
He also announced plans for another 7,500 houses in the town.
The Gazette has asked Ofsted for a comment on Mr Mallon’s remarks and is awaiting a reply.
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