Ofsted Reveals How New Report Cards Will Work
Last year, Ofsted announced a major overhaul of its school inspection framework and proposed that it would introduce new report cards and assessment criteria. These changes aim to provide a more detailed and transparent evaluation of schools while ensuring that the process is fairer and more focused on continuous improvement. Ofsted has now released more of an idea of what that might look like. Full implementation will begin in November 2025, giving schools time to adjust to the new system.
An example image of the new report cards. Source: Ofsted
What the new report cards will look like:
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 are:
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
From November, all inspections 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 changes represent a significant shift in how schools are assessed, with a greater focus on fairness, transparency, and ongoing improvement. Schools now have the opportunity to engage with the consultation process before the final framework is introduced later this year.
For further information please see this Government press release, including a video from Ofsted’s Chief Inspector -