A mum has slammed Ofsted for visiting a secondary school in North Tyneside during GCSE exams.
Lorraine Hayes was left furious after discovering the watchdog had chosen to visit Thomas More Roman Catholic School in North Shields over two days.
The 54-year-old said her 16-year-old son Nathan, like other pupils at the school, was sitting GCSE exams at the time.
Read more: Government slammed over failure to deal with water companies dumping raw sewage
Students sitting GCSE exams at the moment have already had their education impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lorraine, who lives in Wallsend, believes that Ofsted's visit on May 17 and May 18 has put additional pressure on the school and the pupils.
She said: "I got a letter to say that the Ofsted was coming in on the 17th and 18th in the middle of school GCSEs. I think it's absolutely outrageous.
"The schools are stretched to the limit. I don't disagree that schools need to be checked but during GCSEs? It's not ok. I was absolutely furious last week.
"The poor kids have had a shocking time with their education as it is. It's putting too much pressure on the schools as well. The whole system is broken.
"The schools are overstretched at the minute, everyone has got long term sickness due to stress. Everyone's at breaking point, there's a lack of staff.
"I feel the extra staff taken up helping with Ofsted could have helped out with any anxious pupils during their GCSEs."
Lorraine, who works as an administration officer at Wallsend Jubilee Primary School, said she has complained to Ofsted about the visit but has not heard anything back from them.
She believes the Government department should have chosen to visit a primary school instead of a secondary school.
Lorraine added: "I have got nothing but praise for the school. I know it would work through it professionally.
"It's extra added stress that they don't need. I work in a primary school and know how distracting these inspections can be."
Ofsted said they have always inspected during exams and this is not something new. A spokesperson said that the inspections do not involve going into exam halls.
St Thomas More Catholic High School has chosen not to comment.
Read more:
Courageous Hetton mum, 36, who tragically lost baby due to stroke learns to talk again
Plans to convert vacant 65-year-old North Shields pub into petrol station sparks opposition
Hundreds of people object plans to close Buzz Bingo in Wallsend and open discount retailer
Homeless mum found 'bed bug' in Whitley Bay hotel after being placed there with two young daughters
Single mum and her three children left living in North Shields house with gaping hole in the roof
