Independent schools face tougher checks

Tougher checks would be made on independent schools under proposals being considered by ministers.

David Bell, the chief inspector of schools and chief executive of Ofsted, said: "Too many poor schools are continuing to provide a poor education" for pupils. Ministers are worried by the ease with which proprietors can set up schools without checks.

Under the new proposals, all private schools will face a more rigorous inspection regime than previously and be expected to give parents with reports of the inspections.

Proprietors will have to convince inspectors of their ability to deliver good educational standards before they can open schools. The proposals will put all the country's independent schools on the same footing as state schools.