Ofsted has launched its new school report card system, marking one of the regulator’s most significant reforms in decades.
The changes come after the death of headteacher Ruth Perry, whose family said she took her own life following an inspection in 2023.
A coroner later ruled the inspection contributed to her death – a tragedy that sparked national outrage and calls for a more compassionate approach.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The new framework replaces single-word judgements with more detailed report cards that assess schools across multiple areas – including quality of education, behaviour, leadership and personal development.
But some single-word judgements remain – “exemplary” and “secure” – while safeguarding will be judged as either “effective” or “ineffective”.
Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said the system will “raise standards for all children” and be “better for parents” by offering more useful information about their child’s school.
He added that inspections would initially be led by the most experienced inspectors and would avoid the final week of term before Christmas to allow for additional training.
However, unions have criticised the rollout.
The National Association of Head Teachers said it remains “unsafe, unfair and unsustainable” – while the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has warned the five-point grading scale will “generate stress and pressure”.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the ASCL, said: “The new inspection framework is fundamentally flawed, and the five-point grading scale poses a significant risk to the wellbeing of school and college leaders and teachers.
“We also fear that it will be very difficult for inspectors to arrive at so many judgements consistently and reliably, and therefore parents will not be better informed under the new framework.
“We will continue to represent these concerns to Ofsted and the government and will be closely monitoring the new system as inspections are rolled out.”
Read more:
How children with SEND from poorer families are being left behind
England’s poorest children missing out on free school meals
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
NAHT’s legal challenge over Ofsted’s consultation process was dismissed by the High Court – but its general secretary Paul Whiteman said concerns about “the mental health and safety of school leaders” remain unaddressed.
Meanwhile, Jason Elsom, chief executive of Parentkind, welcomed the shift toward parental involvement.
“Ofsted’s new inspection framework listens to parents,” he said. “For the first time, schools must show they are working with families, and no school can achieve top marks unless it gets this right.
“This is a big win for parents and a crucial step towards rebuilding trust between schools and families.”
Follow our channel and never miss an update
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The government is determined to deliver a brilliant education for every child, that means shining a light on what’s working and driving change where standards need to improve.
“Parents are backing new school report cards to provide the fuller picture of school performance – from attendance and behaviour to inclusion – that they want and which will give schools the diagnostic information needed to improve.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. Alternatively, you can call Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234, or NHS on 111.
