How will new Ofsted school ratings work?

Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, is responsible for inspecting and rating schools in England. In September 2021, Ofsted announced changes to the way schools are rated, moving away from the traditional four-point scale to a more nuanced system.

Under the new system, schools will be rated on a seven-point scale, with ratings ranging from “excellent” to “inadequate”. The new ratings will provide a more detailed and accurate picture of a school’s performance, taking into account a wider range of factors.

Ofsted will consider a school’s academic performance, leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development of students, and the school’s overall effectiveness when determining its rating. Inspectors will also take into account the school’s context, such as its intake of disadvantaged students.

The new ratings system aims to provide a more holistic view of a school’s strengths and areas for improvement, allowing parents and policymakers to make more informed decisions about education. Schools will receive a full inspection every 4-5 years, with interim visits in between to monitor progress.

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, has stated that the new ratings system will focus on the impact a school has on its students, rather than just its raw results. Schools will be judged on their ability to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for life beyond the classroom.

Overall, the new Ofsted school ratings aim to provide a more accurate and nuanced assessment of schools’ performance, allowing for greater transparency and accountability in the education system. It is hoped that the new system will drive improvements in schools and ultimately benefit students across England.