In February 2025 the DfE have opened a consultation in respect of their proposals to improve education inspections and their new report cards for providers.
A significant element of the proposal is the elimination of single-word judgments—such as “outstanding” or “inadequate”— in favor of detailed report cards. These report cards aim to provide a nuanced evaluation across multiple areas, including leadership, curriculum, teaching development, student achievement, behavior, attendance, personal development, inclusion, and safeguarding.
The proposed five-point grading scale ranges from “Exemplary” to “Causing concern,” offering a more comprehensive assessment of a school’s performance. This approach seeks to move away from reductive labels, providing a clearer picture of strengths and areas needing improvement.
These reforms are partly in response to criticisms of the existing inspection system, which has been linked to significant stress among educators. Notably, the tragic case of headteacher Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following an “inadequate” OFSTED rating, underscored the need for change.
You can access the consultation here
The DfE’s consultation on these proposals is open until April 28, 2025, inviting feedback from educators, parents, and stakeholders. The goal is to implement a more transparent and supportive inspection system that fosters school improvement and better reflects the complexities of educational environments.
If you would like to discuss OFSTED more broadly (or indeed, just have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.