Understanding the New Ofsted Report Cards for Parents

From November 2025, Ofsted inspections will focus on seven key areas of school life:

• Inclusion – how well the school supports all pupils, including those with additional needs.
• Curriculum and Teaching – the quality of what children learn and how it is taught.
• Achievement – how well pupils are progressing and achieving.
• Attendance and Behaviour – how well pupils attend school and behave.
• Personal Development and Wellbeing – how the school supports pupils' confidence, character, and wellbeing.
• Leadership and Governance – how effectively the school is led and managed.
• Early Years – the quality of education, care, and learning experiences provided for the youngest children.

In addition, safeguarding will be assessed separately and judged as either "Met" or "Not Met".

The Five-Point Grading Scale

Schools will receive a separate grade for each inspection area:

• Exceptional
• Strong Standard
• Expected Standard
• Needs Attention
• Urgent Improvement

Each grade will be accompanied by a clear explanation so that parents can understand both the school's strengths and any areas identified for improvement.

What Parents Will See

Following an inspection, parents will be able to view the school's report card online. The report will include:

• A summary of the grades awarded
• The safeguarding judgement
• Detailed explanations of each grade
• Information about what it is like to be a pupil at the school
• Suggested next steps for the school
• Details about how and when the inspection took place

The report will also provide important background information, such as:

• The number of pupils on roll
• The percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals
• Information about the school's academic performance

What This Means for Parents

The new report cards are designed to give parents a clearer and more detailed picture of school performance. Rather than receiving a single overall judgement, parents will be able to see how the school is performing across different aspects of school life. This will help families gain a more balanced understanding of the school's strengths, the support it provides for children, and any areas where further development is planned.