How will new Ofsted school ratings work?

Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, is introducing a new framework for rating schools in England. Under the new system, schools will be rated on a four-point scale: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate.

The new ratings will take into account a wider range of factors than before, including the progress and attainment of pupils, the quality of teaching, leadership and management, and the personal development, behaviour, and welfare of students.

Schools will also be judged on their effectiveness in preparing pupils for the next stage of education, training, or employment, as well as their impact on the wider community.

The new ratings system aims to provide a more holistic assessment of a school’s performance, moving away from a narrow focus on exam results and data.

Inspectors will spend more time in schools, observing lessons, speaking to pupils, teachers, and parents, and reviewing school documents and data to make informed judgements.

The new ratings will be published on the Ofsted website and will provide parents and the wider public with a clear and transparent view of a school’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Schools rated as Inadequate or Requires Improvement will receive additional support and intervention from local authorities and educational experts to help them improve.

The new ratings system is designed to drive up standards in schools and ensure that every child receives a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Overall, the new Ofsted school ratings system aims to provide a fair and accurate assessment of a school’s performance and support schools in their journey towards excellence.