The move to no-notice school inspections is an empty gesture, according to Russell Hobby, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).

Indeed, he warned that it would "alienate schools while doing nothing to support rising standards".

"If a school could conceal evidence of widespread failure in just two days then the whole concept of inspection is flawed and Ofsted's protestations that it examines progress and behaviour over the long-term ring hollow," Mr Hobby explained to people interested in teaching positions and others.

A shorter notice period, he added, would reduce schools' ability to engage with the inspection.

Furthermore, he highlighted the possibility that the new inspection regime could see the school judged on an occasion when senior staff are not present.

In another move designed to improve performance, the government recently announced that it is to spend an additional £600 million on building 100 new free schools in England over the next three years.