Choosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions a parent makes. In England, Ofsted ratings are often one of the first things families look at. These ratings appear on school websites, in the media, and on directories like AllSchools UK. But what do they actually mean, how are they decided, and how should you use them when thinking about your child’s education?
This guide explains Ofsted ratings in plain English—what they cover, what they don’t, and how to use them alongside other information to make a confident choice.
What is Ofsted?
Ofsted stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It’s a government body that inspects and regulates schools, colleges, and childcare providers across England.
The aim of Ofsted is to check that schools are providing good education, safeguarding children, and helping them develop personally and socially—not just academically.
The Four Main Ofsted Ratings
When inspectors visit a school, they look at a wide range of evidence. After the inspection, they give the school one of four overall ratings:
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Outstanding – The school is delivering exceptionally high-quality education in most or all areas.
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Good – Pupils receive a solid, well-rounded education. Most schools fall into this category.
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Requires Improvement – The school has some strengths but important areas need work. Inspectors will check back sooner than usual.
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Inadequate – The school is not providing an acceptable standard of education or is failing to safeguard pupils properly. Urgent changes are required.
It’s worth noting that an “Inadequate” school isn’t automatically “bad” in every sense—it may have strengths in some areas but needs serious improvement overall.
What Inspectors Look At
Inspections are not only about exam results. Ofsted inspectors consider a broad picture of school life:
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Quality of education – Is the curriculum well planned and taught? Are lessons engaging? Do pupils make progress?
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Behaviour and attitudes – How do pupils conduct themselves in class and around the school? Do they show respect and feel safe?
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Personal development – Beyond academics, are pupils learning resilience, confidence, and social responsibility?
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Leadership and management – Are school leaders effective in driving improvements and safeguarding children?
Each of these categories also receives a rating, which contributes to the overall judgement.
How Often Schools Are Inspected
Most schools are inspected roughly every four years, but this can vary. Schools rated “Good” or “Outstanding” may wait longer between inspections, while those rated “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate” will usually see inspectors return sooner.
Inspections can be full inspections (a deeper review of all areas) or short inspections (a lighter check, usually for schools previously rated “Good”).
What Parents Should Keep in Mind
Ratings give a snapshot, not the whole picture
An Ofsted rating is a useful summary, but it doesn’t capture everything about daily life at a school. For example, a school might be rated “Good” overall but have an exceptional music programme, sports opportunities, or strong pastoral care that suits your child perfectly.
Context matters
Some schools serve communities with higher levels of disadvantage, which can affect results and resources. Inspectors take this into account, but raw numbers and headlines don’t always tell the full story.
Improvement is possible
A “Requires Improvement” rating might sound worrying, but it often means the school is actively working on targeted improvements. Parents sometimes find these schools have dedicated staff and clear plans for change.
Look beyond the grade
Ask yourself: How does the school feel when you walk around? Are children happy and engaged? Do teachers know the pupils well? These things are just as important as the inspection report.
Using Ofsted Ratings Wisely
Here are some practical tips for parents:
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Read the full report, not just the headline rating. It usually explains what inspectors praised and where improvements are needed.
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Combine with other sources. Talk to other parents, attend open days, and check the school’s website and newsletters.
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Match to your child’s needs. For some children, strong pastoral support or enrichment activities may matter more than league table results.
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Notice patterns. If a school has consistently strong ratings over several inspections, it suggests a stable culture of good leadership and teaching.
Where to Find Ofsted Reports
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On the school’s own website (schools are legally required to publish the latest report).
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On the official Ofsted reports site: reports.ofsted.gov.uk.
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On school directory sites like AllSchools UK, which link to or summarise Ofsted outcomes alongside other key details.
A Balanced Approach
Ofsted ratings are a valuable tool, but they’re just one part of the decision-making process. Think of them as a starting point: a way to get a reliable overview of school quality and safety. But your child is unique, and no single rating can fully predict how well they will thrive in a particular environment.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, your instincts, observations, and your child’s feelings matter just as much as formal ratings. Use Ofsted reports to guide your questions, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and open conversations with schools—but also trust what you see and hear.
With this balanced approach, you’ll be in a stronger position to choose a school where your child feels safe, supported, and able to flourish.
