England's schools inspectorate, Ofsted, has initiated an unannounced inspection of a Bristol secondary school at the centre of a political row after it cancelled a scheduled visit from its local Member of Parliament.
School Cancels MP's Visit Following Opposition
The controversy surrounds Bristol Brunel Academy, which is managed by the Cabot Learning Federation. The school called off a planned visit by Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, last September. The visit, where Egan was due to speak to pupils about democracy and the role of MPs, was cancelled after the school learned of plans for a protest.
Opposition to the visit came from a pro-Palestine group and members of staff who belong to the National Education Union (NEU). Activists and union members stated their opposition was linked to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The Bristol NEU branch publicly celebrated the cancellation on social media, calling it "a win for safeguarding, solidarity, and for the power of the NEU trade union staff group, parents, and campaigners standing together."
Damien Egan is also the vice-chair of the Labour Friends of Israel parliamentary group. The cancellation was first highlighted publicly by Communities Secretary Steve Reed at a Jewish Labour Movement conference last Sunday.
Political Outrage and Ofsted's Swift Response
The issue was raised directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Starmer told MPs, "It is very serious, very concerning, and all members of parliament should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without any fear of antisemitism."
He added a pointed warning: "We will be holding to account those who prevented this visit to this school."
Acting on these concerns, Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted's Chief Inspector, stated he was "concerned" that the school appeared to have been intimidated into cancelling the Jewish MP's visit. He announced that inspectors had been tasked to review the evidence and had concluded the threshold for an immediate inspection was met.
Inspectors arrived at the school on Thursday morning, the day after Starmer's comments in Parliament. Sir Martyn said, "I am troubled by the message this sends to children – especially children from the Jewish community. Those of us privileged enough to be working in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination."
Ongoing Fallout and School's Statement
In response to the developing situation, a spokesperson for Bristol Brunel Academy stated earlier this week that the school had remained in contact with Mr Egan and had arranged an alternative date for his visit some time ago. The spokesperson also confirmed the school had been in contact with the police and had followed their advice regarding the original event.
The snap Ofsted inspection represents a significant escalation in the matter, moving it from a local dispute to a national issue concerning political access to schools, safeguarding, and the boundaries of protest. The outcome of the inspection will be closely watched by political figures, educational leaders, and community groups across the UK.
