Ofsted Changes: Updates on What We Know So Far
Last year, Ofsted announced a major overhaul of its school inspection framework, introducing plans for new report cards and updated assessment criteria. These proposed changes mark a significant shift in how schools are evaluated, with a stronger emphasis on fairness, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Ofsted has now released details on what this new report card system could look like, which we’ve outlined further below. However, this framework is still in its early stages, with ongoing development. Schools, parents, and educators now have the opportunity to contribute their feedback and help shape what the final version will look like later this year.
As the UK’s school inspection landscape continues to evolve, parents should approach their school search with flexibility and an open mind. Staying informed about these changes will be essential for making well-informed decisions about their child’s education. At Educatus, we’re here to help and can provide expert guidance on navigating these developments effectively.
Our recommendations:
Visit schools in person – While Ofsted reports are valuable, nothing replaces an in-person visit to assess the environment, ethos, and overall fit for your child.
Stay updated on inspection reports – With all schools undergoing full inspections, keeping track of recent reports will offer a clearer picture of a school’s current standing.
Seek professional guidance – At Educatus, we provide tailored advice to help families explore the best school options in light of these changes.
Engage with Ofsted’s consultation process – If you’re planning a move later this year, following updates and contributing feedback where possible can help ensure your voice is heard.
An example image of the new report cards. Source: Ofsted
What changes have been proposed so far?
1. New Report Cards with Nine Key Areas
Schools will now be judged across eight core areas, plus safeguarding. Early years and sixth forms will also have their own specific ratings, meaning a school could receive up to 11 separate grades.
The core areas will be:
Leadership and governance
Curriculum
Developing teaching
Achievement
Behaviour and attitudes
Attendance
Personal development and well-being
Inclusion
Safeguarding
Early years (if applicable)
Sixth form (if applicable)
Each category will include a drop-down box with more detailed insights into the evaluation.
2. Five-Tier Traffic Light Grading System
Schools will be graded using a new five-point scale:
Causing concern (red): Urgent action required to improve education standards.
Attention needed (amber): Some aspects need improvement, but leadership has capacity to address issues.
Secure (light green): Meets required standards.
Strong (green): Consistently strong across all areas.
Exemplary (dark green): Outstanding performance with elements of best practice.
Most schools will likely fall within the middle three categories, reflecting a broad spectrum of performance.
3. National Panel to Confirm ‘Exemplary’ Ratings
Schools can only receive an ‘exemplary’ rating if recommended by inspectors and confirmed by a national quality panel. The panel will consider whether the school’s approach is well-embedded, has a tangible impact on learners, and contributes to wider educational improvements.
Schools achieving ‘exemplary’ status will be invited to contribute case studies to Ofsted’s best practice reports.
4. End of Ungraded Inspections
As of November 2024, all inspections ongoing will be full inspections. This aims to simplify the process so that schools clearly understand the frequency and type of inspections they will undergo.
5. New Definitions for Schools in Special Measures
Schools receiving a red grade in any category will be subject to additional scrutiny:
Requires significant improvement: If a school has a red rating in any area (except leadership) or has a red leadership rating but no other red categories.
Special measures: If a school receives a red rating in leadership plus at least one other category.
6. Increased Monitoring for Struggling Schools
Schools receiving a red rating (‘causing concern’) or amber (‘attention needed’) will undergo monitoring visits within 18 months.
Schools needing significant improvement will receive five monitoring visits over 18 months.
Schools in special measures will receive six visits over 24 months.
The aim is to ensure timely interventions to support struggling schools.
7. Greater Contextual Information
To provide a fuller picture of a school’s environment, Ofsted will publish data on:
Proportion of disadvantaged and SEND pupils.
Trends in pupil performance.
Absence and attendance data.
Local community characteristics and availability of educational services.
8. Transparency Through Toolkits
Ofsted will introduce toolkits detailing expectations for each evaluation category. This aims to eliminate uncertainty by providing clear criteria on what inspectors will and will not look for.
Leaders will be encouraged to evaluate their school’s performance using these toolkits before inspections.
9. Nominated Senior Staff to Work with Inspectors
Schools will appoint a senior staff member to liaise with inspectors, ensuring school leaders are actively involved in the inspection process.
If an inspector’s emerging grade differs significantly from the school’s self-assessment, they will seek additional evidence to ensure a fair evaluation.
10. Stronger Emphasis on Inclusion
Ofsted will now assess inclusion across all evaluation areas. Schools will be expected to demonstrate how they:
Promote high expectations for all pupils.
Support disadvantaged and SEND students effectively.
Work with families and agencies to improve outcomes.
Foster an inclusive school culture where every pupil feels valued.
11. End of Curriculum ‘Deep Dives’
The controversial deep dive method, which focused heavily on specific curriculum areas, will be removed. Instead, inspectors will have more flexibility to tailor inspections based on each school’s priorities and challenges.
Looking Ahead…
These proposed changes aim to eventually provide parents with a fuller picture of their child’s school. However, this is still an early-stage proposal, and with ongoing debate, and so implementation may take longer than expected.
In the mean time we suggest following our recommendations at the top of this blog, and we will continue to provide further updates once the consultation concludes and the final framework is announced.
For further information please see this Government press release, including a video from Ofsted’s Chief Inspector -