Ofsted Chief Calls for Stronger Oracy Education in Schools

Martyn Oliver addresses Voice 21's 2026 Summit, emphasizing the importance of developing strong communication skills in students.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:50am

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In his speech at the Voice 21 Speaking Summit in London, Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, discussed the renewed Ofsted framework's focus on ensuring students develop strong foundations in speech, writing, and communication. Oliver highlighted the reciprocal relationship between reading, speaking, and listening, and the need to provide language-rich environments to support the development of vocabulary and comprehension skills. He also emphasized the importance of teaching students how to communicate effectively through spoken language, articulate ideas, and engage with differing views in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

Why it matters

Oliver's remarks underscore the critical role that oracy education plays in preparing students for success in their personal relationships, online interactions, and future careers, where collaboration and communication are essential skills. By prioritizing the development of strong communication abilities, schools can help foster active and engaged citizenship, as well as support students' overall learning and development.

The details

The renewed Ofsted framework will evaluate early years settings on their emphasis on vocabulary, oral language, and language comprehension, as well as schools' efforts to extend students' language and vocabulary through the curriculum. Inspectors will look for evidence that all students are taught how to communicate effectively through spoken language, articulate ideas, and engage with differing views in a considered way. This focus on oracy education is part of Ofsted's commitment to ensuring all children have the chance to thrive, regardless of their starting points or any barriers to learning they may face.

  • Ofsted published the renewed framework in November 2025.
  • The Voice 21 Speaking Summit took place in London in March 2026.

The players

Martyn Oliver

Ofsted's Chief Inspector, who spoke at the Voice 21 Speaking Summit in London.

Voice 21

An organization that hosted the Speaking Summit in London, focused on promoting the development of strong oracy skills in students.

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What they’re saying

“A child's first word is never an accident. That unique moment, when it comes, happens because someone spoke to that child, again and again, long before they could reply.”

— Martyn Oliver, Ofsted Chief Inspector

“Getting up there, in front of hundreds of people, microphone in hand. That is a big achievement for anyone. For a young person, it takes real courage.”

— Martyn Oliver, Ofsted Chief Inspector

What’s next

Ofsted will continue to monitor and evaluate schools' progress in developing strong oracy education, with the new report cards providing a clearer and more detailed picture of schools' performance in this area.

The takeaway

Oracy education is not just about public speaking or winning debates; it is about equipping students with the essential communication skills they need to participate fully in life, build strong relationships, and succeed in their future careers. Ofsted's renewed framework underscores the importance of this foundational skill set for all students.