Ofsted has changed the way it reports on schools to give parents clearer, fairer, and more useful information. Instead of one overall grade, new report cards now show strengths and areas for improvement across different aspects of education. This change is designed to help families understand how well schools are supporting children, while also ensuring inspections are fairer to staff and more focused on raising standards.

When Ofsted inspects schools, nurseries, colleges, and childcare providers, they publish a report card. These report cards are designed to give parents and carers a clear picture of how well a setting is supporting children and where improvements are needed.

What’s Changed

• In the past, schools were given a single overall grade such as Outstanding, Good, or Requires Improvement.
• Now, instead of one overall judgement, report cards show colour‑coded grades for different areas of education.
• This makes it easier for parents to see strengths and areas for development in detail.

The New Grading Scale

Each area is graded on a five‑point scale:

• Exceptional – among the very best nationally.
• Strong Standard – excellent, consistent work making a real difference.
• Expected Standard – everything a school or provider should be doing (a high and reassuring standard).
• Needs Attention – some issues to address, but not a fail.
• Urgent Improvement – serious concerns that must be fixed quickly.

Safeguarding is also reported separately as either Met or Not Met.

What the Grades Mean for You

• Expected Standard (green) means your child is receiving the education and support they should.
• Strong Standard and Exceptional show where a school is going above and beyond.
• Needs Attention highlights areas to watch, but it’s a chance for improvement rather than failure.
• Urgent Improvement signals serious problems that Ofsted will monitor closely.

It’s normal for a school to have a mix of grades – strong in some areas, needing focus in others.

How to Use Report Cards

• Each report card includes detailed descriptions of what inspectors found, so you can understand what life is like for children at that school or provider.
• You’ll also see key data, such as pupil numbers, age ranges, or apprenticeship details.
• This information can help you make decisions about where your child learns, or reassure you about the quality of their current education.

Where to Find Reports

You can search for any school, nursery, or college on the Ofsted reports website. When they are inspected, their latest report card will be published there.

In short: Ofsted’s new report cards are designed with parents in mind. They give you a clearer, more detailed picture of how well a school or childcare provider is doing, so you can feel confident about your child’s education and wellbeing.