Schools with behaviour issues to face random inspections

Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw has announced, for the first time, schools with behaviour problems will face unannounced inspections in a bid to crack down on disruption in the classroom.

England's schools are suffering from a culture of "casual acceptance" of misbehaviour and lessons should not be undermined by "background chatter, inattention and horseplay," he suggested during a speech in London.

Mr Wilshaw also said children should be tested on English and maths at the age of seven to ensure they are mastering the basics.

The report concludes that the education system is gradually improving, with almost eight out of 10 schools now rated as good or better.

But nearly a quarter of a million pupils are still languishing in failing schools, and a further 1.5 million are being taught in schools that require improvement.