Ofsted
Ofsted Inspection and Reporting Update (November 2025)
In November 2025, Ofsted released a new framework for inspecting all schools in England.
For parents, there have been some key changes which have been outlined below for you.
There is now no single word grade. Instead of the one overall word judgement, the report will offer grades across several areas, such as the Quality of Education, Behaviour and Leadership. There is no correlation between previous inspection frameworks to the new one, so it is not possible to compare previous reports issued after November 2025.
There is a new 5-point grading scale:
- Exceptional: The very best practice.
- Strong Standard: Excellent, consistent work.
- Expected Standard: Meeting all requirements (indicated in green).
- Needs Attention: Areas for improvement.
- Urgent Improvement: Serious concerns.
There is now also a focus on Inclusion: A new specific category will evaluate how schools support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged pupils, and those known to social care.
There is also a Safeguarding Check: Reported simply as "Met" or "Not Met".
More Detailed Reporting: Reports will include narrative summaries of strengths and areas for development, designed to be more accessible on mobile devices
For more information on the new Ofsted report card, click on the link below that will take you to Ofsted's YouTube channel.