Two of Reading’s best rated schools have not been inspected by Ofsted in more than ten years.

Caversham Preparatory School and Caversham Primary School were last inspected in July 2008 and February 2009 respectively.

Another five schools have not been inspected in six years: Churchend Primary Academy (February 2012), Reading School (February 2012), Kendrick School (February 2012), Emmer Green Primary School (December 2012), All Saints Junior School (July 2013).

Councillor Ashley Pearce, lead member for Education at RBC, said he has visited many of the schools that have not been inspected recently and has “the utmost faith” that they are giving pupils “the best possible start”.

Most outstanding schools are currently exempt from routine inspection.

This is set to change, however, as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced last month that the exemption will be lifted.

Mr Williamson said: “Every parent wants to know their child is getting a great education and I will leave no stone unturned in my drive to deliver that.”

The exemption has been in place since 2012 but watchdog Ofsted has called for it to end amid concerns about falling standards.

Currently, Ofsted formally carry out risk assessments of exempt schools three years after their most recent full inspection and regularly thereafter, but do not publish a report.

Outstanding special schools, pupil referral units and maintained nursery schools are not exempt from routine inspection.

Ofsted can inspect schools at any time if it has concerns.

The school inspection body normally gives notice on the afternoon of the working day before an inspection but can also inspect schools without notice.

Cllr Pearce said: “Overall I am in broad agreement with my parties national policy in terms of Ofsted as the process should be about improvement and not just judgements.

“At the moment, Ofsted will come in at short notice causing a great deal of stress to staff and pupils, whilst in reality having made their minds up on the judgement already due to a schools data.

“They leave with no guidance or help as to how a school can improve, just that they should. This doesn’t seem in the best interests of anyone.”