Understanding Ofsted and the New Grading System

What is Ofsted?
Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) inspects and regulates schools in England to ensure high standards and quality education for all children. Ofsted – GOV.UK

What’s Changed in 2025?

From November 2025, Ofsted introduced a new approach to school inspections:

• No single overall grade
  Schools now receive a report card with grades for six key areas:
  ✔ Leadership & Governance
  ✔ Curriculum & Teaching
  ✔ Attendance & Behaviour
  ✔ Academic Achievement
  ✔ Personal Development & Wellbeing
  ✔ Inclusion
• Five-point grading scale for each area:
  Exceptional
  Strong Standard
  Expected Standard
  Needs Attention
  Urgent Improvement
• Safeguarding remains separate: Met or Not Met.
• Narrative feedback and contextual data accompany each grade for a clearer picture of school performance.

Why the Change?

The new system aims to:

• Provide detailed, transparent information for parents and carers.
• Highlight specific strengths and areas for improvement.
• Ensure fairness and inclusivity, considering each school’s context.

What This Means for Our School

Our next Ofsted inspection will result in a detailed report card, not just one overall grade. This helps everyone—teachers, parents, and learners—understand our progress and support improvement.