POPULAR schools could see their reputations challenged as the education watchdog prepares to get tough on substandard teaching.

Ofsted announced today that teachers in schools previously judged to be performing satisfactorily or better would face more scrutiny during lessons by inspectors sitting in the class.

The move forms part of a wider shake-up to the inspections regime, due to be published next week, and comes amid concerns that the regulator is failing to assess the quality of teaching in many areas.

Chief schools inspector Christine Gilbert told the Commons' Children, Schools and Families Committee: "We are unique in having the power to enter schools and classrooms and I can assure ...