In a significant overhaul of the school inspection system, Ofsted has announced a series of changes aimed at enhancing consistency and transparency in the education sector. Starting in autumn 2025, schools in England will receive detailed report cards that provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of school performance. These changes come in response to longstanding criticisms of the existing rating system.
Ofsted has piloted a new approach to inspections, scheduling them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with notifications issued on Mondays. This initiative seeks to standardize inspection timing and improve consistency across schools. Additionally, from the 2024-2025 academic year, inspectors will continue to use the existing four-grade system for individual sub-categories during assessments.
The new report card will cover critical areas such as the quality of education, pupil behavior and attitudes, staff personal development, leadership and management caliber, and the effectiveness of safeguarding policies. This approach aims to provide a richer, more detailed understanding of a school's strengths and areas for improvement.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized that the new report cards will offer "rich, granular insight" to deliver tailored support for struggling schools. This shift is partly a response to the wave of criticism following the tragic death of Ruth Perry in January 2023, which highlighted the need for a more nuanced evaluation system.
To address "stuck" schools with consecutive negative judgments, new regional teams will be established with a budget of up to £100,000 per school. These teams will work to turn around these schools by providing focused assistance and resources.
Ofsted has also introduced changes in how it handles the post-inspection period. Since April 2024, efforts have been made to resolve complaints more swiftly and enhance transparency in decision-making processes. This is part of a broader effort to restore trust and credibility in the inspection system.
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted's chief, has stated that the detailed report cards will give parents "much more detail" and help them make informed decisions about their children's education. Furthermore, if inspectors identify safety concerns in an otherwise well-performing school, they will have the discretion to withhold judgment for three months to allow for necessary improvements.
In efforts to fine-tune these reforms, Ofsted has launched a consultation process to determine the frequency of future inspections, which is open until April 22. The consultation invites stakeholders' feedback to shape the inspection framework effectively.
The changes are not limited to state schools alone; Ofsted also inspects some independent schools in England. Others fall under the purview of the Independent Schools Inspectorate. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, respective bodies like Estyn, Education Scotland, and the Education and Training Inspectorate handle inspections.
Pepe Di'Iasio, a prominent educational voice, described previous reports as "bewildering for teachers and leaders, never mind the parents whose choices these reports are supposedly intended to guide." This sentiment underscores the necessity for a more accessible and informative reporting system.
