10 Common Questions About Ofsted Ratings in the UK

1. What are Ofsted ratings?

Ofsted ratings are official judgements given to schools and childcare providers in the UK following an inspection. These ratings help parents, staff, and the wider community understand the quality of education, leadership, and care provided by a school. Ratings are awarded based on a comprehensive review of teaching quality, pupil outcomes, behaviour, leadership, and safeguarding. Ofsted ratings are published and can influence parental choice, school reputation, and even property values in the local area. They serve as a benchmark for school improvement and accountability.

2. What do the different Ofsted grades mean?

Ofsted uses a four-point grading scale: Outstanding (Grade 1), Good (Grade 2), Requires Improvement (Grade 3), and Inadequate (Grade 4). An Outstanding rating means the school provides exceptionally high-quality education and care. Good indicates strong and consistent performance. Requires Improvement shows the school meets minimum standards but has clear areas to address. Inadequate means the school is not providing an acceptable standard and needs urgent improvement. Each grade is based on evidence gathered during the inspection process and reflects the overall effectiveness of the school.

3. What areas do Ofsted inspections cover?

Ofsted inspections focus on four main judgement areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Inspectors also consider the overall effectiveness of the school, which is a summary judgement based on all evidence collected. For settings with early years or sixth form provision, these areas are also assessed. Inspectors look at aspects such as curriculum intent and impact, safeguarding, staff wellbeing, and how schools support all learners, including those with special educational needs. The inspection framework ensures a thorough evaluation of all aspects of school life.

4. How often are schools inspected by Ofsted?

The frequency of Ofsted inspections depends on the previous rating and the type of school. Schools rated Good or Outstanding are typically inspected every four years, though Outstanding schools may be exempt from routine inspection unless concerns arise. Schools rated Requires Improvement or Inadequate are monitored more closely and re-inspected sooner to ensure progress. New schools or those with significant changes may also receive earlier visits. Ofsted aims to ensure that all schools maintain high standards and address any weaknesses promptly.

5. How are Ofsted ratings decided?

Ofsted ratings are determined by a team of trained inspectors who visit the school, observe lessons, review pupils’ work, interview staff and students, and analyse school data and policies. Inspectors use the Education Inspection Framework to guide their judgements, considering evidence from multiple sources. They assess how well the school delivers its curriculum, supports pupil progress, manages behaviour, and ensures safeguarding. The final rating is a collective decision reflecting the overall quality and effectiveness of the school.

6. What happens if a school is rated Inadequate?

If a school receives an Inadequate rating, it is required to make significant improvements. Ofsted will monitor the school more closely, often through follow-up visits and support. The school may be placed under special measures and could face leadership changes or conversion to academy status. The aim is to ensure rapid improvement in the quality of education and safeguarding. Parents and the local community are informed, and progress is tracked until the school meets the required standards.

7. Can parents or schools challenge an Ofsted rating?

While parents cannot directly appeal an Ofsted rating, schools have the opportunity to challenge factual inaccuracies in the draft inspection report before it is finalised. If a school believes the inspection process was flawed or the judgement is unfair, it can submit a formal complaint to Ofsted. However, the process is rigorous, and changes to published ratings are rare. Transparency in the inspection and reporting process is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy.

8. How do Ofsted inspections affect school admissions?

Ofsted ratings are a key factor for many parents when choosing schools, directly impacting school admissions. Schools with higher ratings, especially those rated Outstanding or Good, often see increased demand for places. This can lead to oversubscription and more competitive admissions criteria. Conversely, schools with lower ratings may experience declining applications. Local authorities and parents use Ofsted reports as a trusted source of information to guide school choices.

9. What is an Ofsted ‘deep dive’?

An Ofsted ‘deep dive’ is an in-depth evaluation of a specific subject or aspect of the curriculum during an inspection. Inspectors scrutinise planning, teaching, assessment, and pupil outcomes in the chosen subject. They interview subject leaders, teachers, and pupils to understand how knowledge is sequenced and retained. The deep dive helps inspectors assess the quality and consistency of education across the school and ensures that curriculum intent matches implementation and impact.

10. How can parents use Ofsted ratings and reports?

Parents can use Ofsted ratings and reports to compare schools, understand strengths and weaknesses, and make informed decisions about where to apply. Reports provide detailed insights into teaching quality, pupil behaviour, leadership, and safeguarding. They highlight areas of excellence and those needing improvement. By reviewing multiple reports, parents can find schools that align with their values and expectations, helping them make the best choice for their child’s education.