Learn Direct Ltd v Ofsted

Learn Direct Ltd v Ofsted

The court found that the high threshold for apparent pre-determination was not met; the inspection was conducted with sufficient breadth, expertise, and evidence base; the regulator acted rationally and reasonably in its inquiry and decision-making; and there was no basis for judicial intervention or for quashing the report or restraining its publication.

Parties
Applicant: Learn Direct Ltd; Respondent: Ofsted
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
04 August 2017
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Final Judgment
Outcome
Claim dismissed
Legal Topics
Judicial Review, Procedural Fairness, Regulatory Inspection, Bias and Pre Determination, Duty of Enquiry

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Learn Direct Ltd

Applicant

Ofsted

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the Ofsted inspection report was tainted by apparent pre-determination or closed mind
  2. 2 Whether the inspection and evidence base were inadequate or insufficient
  3. 3 Whether Ofsted's refusal to apply the Incomplete Inspection Protocol was unreasonable

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the high threshold for apparent pre-determination was not met; the inspection was conducted with sufficient breadth, expertise, and evidence base; the regulator acted rationally and reasonably in its inquiry and decision-making; and there was no basis for judicial intervention or for quashing the report or restraining its publication.

Court Disposition

Claim dismissed

Orders

  • The claim for judicial review is dismissed.
  • Interim relief restraining publication of the report is discharged.