Big Changes for OFSTED: Scrapping One Word Grades

24 Oct

At Educatus, we know that choosing the right school is a top priority for families relocating to the UK. Since September 2024, schools in England will no longer receive single-word Ofsted grades like “Outstanding” or “Inadequate.” Instead, this change marks the beginning of a shift towards a more detailed assessment system, with School Report Cards set to launch in 2025, with the first ‘ungraded’ inspections beginning from 7 October 2024. As the one word system is phased out, schools will be graded by their sub categories in the interim.

Fear not! All is explained below, here is what we think you should know…

Why Are Single Headline Grades Being Removed?

The decision to scrap one-word grades comes after growing concerns that these simplified judgments do not reflect the full picture of a school’s performance. The new system aims to reduce pressure on schools and provide a clearer understanding for parents of how schools operate across several areas.

For international families, this is a positive step. The change will provide more detailed insight into each school’s strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to make better-informed decisions for your children during the relocation process.

How Will Schools Be Graded Now?

Until the full introduction of School Report Cards in 2025, Ofsted will use four key subcategories in their inspections:

Quality of Education

Behaviour and Attitudes

Personal Development

Leadership and Management

These subcategories are already part of existing inspection reports, but now they will carry more weight as the single-word headline judgments are phased out. Schools that have already been inspected under the old system will keep their grades until their next inspection.

What Will Happen to Schools Rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires Improvement’?

Even though single-word grades are no longer being used, intervention plans will still be in place for schools rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires Improvement.’ Schools with an ‘Inadequate’ rating will continue to face leadership changes, while those requiring improvement will receive targeted support from new regional improvement teams.

What Are School Report Cards?

The upcoming School Report Cards, due to be introduced in 2025, will provide a comprehensive view of a school’s performance across a wide range of criteria. The cards are being developed in consultation with Ofsted, parents, and educators, with the goal of creating a system that offers more transparency and detail than the old headline grades.

Are Single Grades Being Removed for Early Years and Colleges?

The removal of headline grades applies to state schools and state-funded academies. For early years providers and colleges, headline grades will continue for now, though similar reforms are being considered. As these changes unfold, we’ll provide guidance on how to navigate the evolving education landscape in the UK.

How Educatus Can Help

Choosing the right school for your child when relocating to the UK can be challenging, especially with ongoing changes to how schools are evaluated. At Educatus, we specialise in guiding families through this process, helping you understand inspection reports and providing tailored advice based on your family’s specific needs.

If you have questions about the new grading system or need support in choosing the best school for your child, reach out to us at Educatus. We’re here to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Katy Cummings

Introducing Katy-Rose Cummings, the latest addition to the Educatus team. In her role as Marketing and Communications Manager, Katy-Rose is a force of ideas and creativity when it comes to spreading the word about our company and providing valuable information to our clients.

Katy-Rose's unique background makes her a perfect fit for our team. Growing up and experiencing schooling all over the world, including the Middle East and Africa, she knows first-hand what it's like to relocate frequently, settle into new schools, and she remembers well the headaches and conundrums her parents had when arriving in a new location worrying about the various school offerings. Having caught the bug for travel, Katy-Rose initially embarked on a creative career as a touring music photographer and content creator, capturing life on the road for numerous bands, in a world where social media presence is everything. After some incredible stints on the road including tours across Europe, the US and Australia, she then progressed on to the role of Creative Director at a London record label, overseeing all things creative and focusing more intently on marketing.

After taking some time off the road to have her own little one, Katy-Rose redirected her focus to freelance photography and creative work, eventually finding her way to joining Educatus. Her perfect blend of creativity and extensive experience in schooling and relocation across various countries means she is the perfect creative to join our team.