Ofsted inspects schools in England and rates them on a four-point scale. This guide explains what each grade means, what inspectors look at, and how parents should interpret the results when choosing a school.
Last updated: April 2026 · 8 min read
Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) is the government body responsible for inspecting schools, colleges, and other educational providers in England. It was established in 1992 and reports directly to Parliament.
An Ofsted inspection typically lasts 1–2 days and is carried out by a team of trained inspectors. They observe lessons, speak to pupils, parents, and staff, review documentation, and assess the overall quality of education and care. The resulting report and grade are published publicly.
Every inspected school receives one of four overall grades. Each grade reflects the school's performance across several areas.
The school excels in every area. Teaching is exceptional, pupils achieve highly, and the school is a model of best practice. Around 17% of schools hold this rating.
The school is effective. Pupils do well, teaching is strong, and leadership ensures continuous improvement. Around 65% of schools are rated Good.
The school is not yet Good. It has weaknesses that need addressing but is not Inadequate. The school will receive additional monitoring and support.
The school has serious failings. It may be placed in special measures. Urgent action is required, and the school may be forced to change leadership or become an academy.
Ofsted inspectors evaluate schools across four key areas, each receiving its own sub-grade in addition to the overall rating.
The curriculum, how well it is taught, and the outcomes pupils achieve. Inspectors look at whether the curriculum is ambitious, well-sequenced, and effectively delivered.
How pupils behave, their attendance, and their attitudes to learning. Inspectors observe classrooms, corridors, and break times to assess the culture of the school.
How the school supports pupils' broader development: character, resilience, confidence, British values, PSHE, and preparation for life in modern Britain.
The effectiveness of school leaders and governors. This includes strategic vision, staff development, safeguarding, and how well the school manages its resources.
The frequency of Ofsted inspections depends on the school's current rating and any concerns that arise between inspections.
| Current Rating | Typical Inspection Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | Approximately 4 years | Previously exempt; now subject to routine inspection |
| Good | Approximately 4 years | Section 8 inspection first; may convert to full Section 5 |
| Requires Improvement | Within 30 months | Monitored more closely; may receive additional visits |
| Inadequate | Within 30 months | Intensive monitoring; may be re-brokered as an academy |
Ofsted ratings are a valuable starting point, but they are a snapshot in time. A school rated Good three years ago may have improved significantly — or declined. Here are practical tips for using Ofsted information:
The narrative often reveals strengths and weaknesses that a single grade cannot capture. Pay attention to the areas inspected and any specific recommendations.
A rating from 2018 is less reliable than one from last year. Schools change, and the Ofsted framework itself has been updated since 2019.
A school that moved from RI to Good is on an upward trajectory. A school that dropped from Outstanding to Good may still be excellent but was re-assessed under tougher criteria.
Use Ofsted alongside Progress 8, SATs results, and your own school visit experience. No single measure tells the whole story.
Outstanding (Grade 1) means the school excels in all areas. The quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership are all exceptional. Only around 17% of schools in England hold this rating.
Good schools are typically inspected roughly every 4 years. Outstanding schools were previously exempt but are now re-inspected on a regular cycle. Schools rated Requires Improvement or Inadequate are inspected more frequently, usually within 1-2 years.
Yes. Since September 2021, all Outstanding schools are subject to routine inspection. Many have been downgraded when re-inspected, often because the original inspection was many years ago and standards have changed.
The school will typically be placed in special measures or given a serious weaknesses judgement. It will receive intensive support and monitoring, and may be required to become an academy under a new sponsor. Re-inspection happens within 30 months.
Not necessarily. RI schools are on a mandatory improvement journey and receive additional support. Some are rapidly improving and may be a better choice than a school that was rated Good years ago. Look at the direction of travel.
Most independent schools are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted. However, some independent schools — particularly those with boarding provision or serving vulnerable children — may be inspected by Ofsted.
Yes. All Ofsted reports are published on the Ofsted website and are free to read. Reports include the overall grade, individual area judgements, and a detailed narrative about the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
Find schools by Ofsted rating and explore their full inspection history: