Historic Changes to School Inspections Now in Effect
As of November 10, 2025, Ofsted has officially launched its most significant reform in decades. The controversial single-word judgements (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate) are gone, replaced by comprehensive report cards that give parents a much more detailed picture of school performance.
The New 5-Point Grading Scale
Schools will now be assessed using a new 5-point scale across six key areas:
- Exceptional - The highest possible grade
- Strong standard - School performing well
- Expected standard - Meeting baseline expectations
- Needs attention - Areas requiring improvement
- Urgent improvement - Serious concerns requiring immediate action
Six Core Evaluation Areas
Instead of one overall grade, schools will receive ratings across six distinct areas:
- Inclusion - How well the school supports all children, particularly those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds
- Curriculum and Teaching - Quality and breadth of what's taught and how
- Achievement - Pupil progress and attainment
- Attendance and Behaviour - School culture and pupil engagement
- Personal Development and Wellbeing - Character education, mental health support
- Leadership and Governance - Quality of school management
Inclusion Takes Center Stage
One of the most significant changes is the elevated focus on inclusion. Every inspection will now specifically examine how schools support:
- Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Disadvantaged pupils
- Children with English as an additional language
- Vulnerable students including those in care
This reflects the government's commitment to ensuring every child receives appropriate support, regardless of their starting point.
Voluntary Inspections Until Christmas
Between November 10th and the Christmas break, Ofsted is prioritizing schools that have volunteered for inspection under the new framework. This allows schools to familiarize themselves with the new system before routine inspections resume in January 2026.
More Frequent Early Years Inspections
For early years settings, Ofsted is increasing inspection frequency from every 6 years to every 4 years, ensuring parents have more current information about nurseries and preschools.
What This Means for Parents
The new report cards provide significantly more nuance than single-word judgements. A school might excel in inclusion and personal development while needing attention in attendance - information that was previously hidden under one overall grade.
Parents should note that:
- Report cards will be more detailed but longer to read
- You can identify specific strengths and weaknesses
- Different areas may have different grades
- The focus on inclusion shows how well the school supports diverse needs
Reception from Schools
The changes have received mixed feedback. While many educators welcome the end of reductive single-word labels, a survey by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) found that 93% of members lack confidence in the new framework, citing concerns about complexity and workload.
UK School Explorer will display the new Ofsted report cards as schools are inspected under the new framework. Check back regularly for updated inspection results.