What is Ofsted and how will the new school ratings work?
Learn about the changes to Ofsted's school ratings in England, shifting from single-word grades to detailed subcategory assessments and report cards by 2025.
Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of education and childcare services across England. As the government body responsible for inspecting schools, Ofsted's goal is to ensure institutions provide high standards of education and care.
Recently, Ofsted announced a new school ratings system aimed at offering a clearer, more comprehensive view of school performance. This marks a shift from traditional single-word grades to a more detailed approach, reflecting a commitment to transparency and support for educational development.
What is Ofsted?
Ofsted, which stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, is the UK government department responsible for inspecting schools and other social care services for children.
Established in 1992, Ofsted's role is to ensure that educational institutions meet high standards of quality and care. It is part of the Department for Education (DfE) and, as of January 2024, is headed by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver. Ofsted only inspects schools in England; Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own inspecting bodies.
How will the new school ratings work?
The new school ratings system in England involves significant changes to how schools are graded. Here are the key points:
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1. Removal of single-word grades
The immediate change is the elimination of single-word grades such as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate for state schools. This decision was made to alleviate the intense pressure on educational institutions and provide parents with a clearer understanding of school performance.
2. Sub-category judgements
Until the introduction of report cards in September 2025, schools will receive ratings in 4 existing subcategories:
- Quality of education
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Personal development
- Leadership & management
3. Report cards
From September 2025, a new "report card" system will be introduced. This system aims to provide parents with a more comprehensive picture of how schools are performing across multiple dimensions. The report cards will be developed in collaboration with Ofsted, parents, and the education sector to ensure clarity and transparency.
4. Support for poorly performing schools
Schools rated as Inadequate or Requires Improvement will continue to receive targeted support. For schools that require improvement, new regional improvement teams will offer support to address specific areas of improvement. High-performing schools may also be involved in supporting these schools.
5. Existing grades and future inspections
Schools with existing grades will keep them until their next inspection. Schools inspected this year will receive ratings based on the subcategories mentioned above. This transition phase aims to provide continuity while moving towards the new report card system.
The changes are part of a broader effort to enhance educational standards and reduce the stress associated with single-word judgments. The new system is designed to offer a more nuanced understanding of school performance, supporting both schools and parents in their educational journey.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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