The Four Grades Explained
Ofsted uses four grades to rate schools. Understanding what each means can help you interpret reports more effectively.
1. Outstanding
The highest grade a school can achieve. Outstanding schools excel in all areas — quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership. Only around 18% of schools currently hold this rating.
Until 2020, Outstanding schools were exempt from routine inspection. This policy has now changed, and all schools are inspected regularly regardless of their previous grade.
2. Good
A Good rating means the school meets expected standards across all areas. This is where most schools sit — around 65%. Don't underestimate a Good school; it indicates solid teaching, effective leadership, and a positive learning environment.
3. Requires Improvement
The school isn't yet Good but isn't Inadequate. Ofsted has identified specific areas needing work. Schools at this grade are typically re-inspected within 30 months.
Many schools improve to Good within one or two inspection cycles. Around 12% of schools are currently rated Requires Improvement.
4. Inadequate
This indicates serious failings. The school is either in Special Measures(the most serious category) or has Serious Weaknesses. Immediate action is required.
Schools in Special Measures receive intensive support and monitoring. They may see leadership changes or become academies. Only around 2-3% of schools are rated Inadequate.
What Inspectors Look At
Ofsted assesses four key areas, each receiving its own grade:
- Quality of education — Is the curriculum well-designed and ambitious? Are students learning and remembering what they're taught?
- Behaviour and attitudes — Do students behave well? Is attendance good? Do students feel safe?
- Personal development — Does the school develop character, resilience, and prepare students for life in modern Britain?
- Leadership and management — Is the school well-led? Are staff supported? Is safeguarding effective?
How Inspections Work
Most inspections are "graded inspections" lasting two days. Schools typically get one working day's notice. During the inspection, Ofsted inspectors will:
- Visit lessons and observe teaching across different subjects and year groups
- Talk to students about their learning and experiences
- Meet with staff, leaders, and governors
- Review curriculum materials, policies, and assessment data
- Examine student work and talk to students about what they've learned
- Check safeguarding procedures thoroughly
Schools rated Good may receive shorter "ungraded inspections" to confirm they remain Good. If concerns emerge, these can convert to full graded inspections.
Reading Beyond the Headline Grade
The overall grade is useful, but the full report tells you much more. When researching schools, consider:
- Read the narrative — The written sections often reveal nuances the grades don't capture
- Check individual area grades — A school might be Good overall but Outstanding for behaviour
- Look at the date — A 5-year-old Outstanding rating may not reflect the current school
- Note any areas for improvement — Even Good schools have development points
What the Rating Means for Your Child
An Ofsted rating is one valuable data point, but it's not everything. Consider combining it with:
- Progress 8 scores — How much do students improve?
- School visits — Nothing replaces seeing a school in person
- Talking to other parents — What's their experience?
- Your child's needs — The "best" school is the right fit for your child
Finding Ofsted Reports
All Ofsted reports are published free on the Ofsted reports website. You can search by school name, location, or unique reference number (URN).
On Schools Insight, we link directly to the relevant Ofsted report from each school's page. Use our school search to find schools near you.