Every state school in England is inspected by Ofsted and given one of four ratings. Here's what each grade actually means, how inspections work, and how to read a rating intelligently when choosing a school.
→Check the inspection date
An Outstanding rating from 2015 is much less meaningful than a Good rating from last year. Always check when the school was last inspected — a school can change significantly in a few years.
→Read the report, not just the headline
The full Ofsted report (linked from every school page on this site) contains far more nuance than the headline grade. Look at what inspectors specifically praised and criticised. Early years and SEND provision sections are particularly useful.
→Look at KS2 progress scores
For primary schools, progress scores measure how much pupils improved relative to similar pupils nationally. A school with a Good Ofsted rating and above-average progress is often a better choice than an Outstanding school where pupils simply arrive with high attainment.
→Consider the FSM context
A school rated Good with 40% FSM may be doing a more impressive job than an Outstanding school with 5% FSM. The "beating the odds" analysis on this site highlights schools that achieve excellent results despite high deprivation.
What is the difference between Outstanding and Good in Ofsted?
Outstanding means a school significantly exceeds what Ofsted expects across all areas — it is the highest possible grade and awarded to roughly 20% of schools. Good means a school meets the high standards Ofsted sets and provides a sound education. The vast majority of London schools are rated Good, and a Good school can provide an excellent education.
How often does Ofsted inspect schools?
Good schools are typically inspected every four to five years. Outstanding schools were previously exempt from routine inspection but since 2023 they are inspected regularly again. Schools rated Requires Improvement are re-inspected within 30 months. Inadequate schools receive more frequent monitoring visits.
What happens when a school gets an Inadequate rating?
Schools rated Inadequate are placed in formal intervention — either "special measures" (more serious) or "serious weaknesses". They receive intensive support from the Regional Director, may be required to convert to academy status, and are re-inspected frequently. Most Inadequate schools improve significantly within two to three years.
Should I only consider Outstanding schools for my child?
No. A Good school with strong progress scores often provides a better education than an Outstanding school with a dated inspection. Progress scores show how much pupils actually improve — a school that adds significant value to pupils' learning is often more valuable than one with high attainment driven by a selective or advantaged intake.
How long does an Ofsted inspection take?
Most standard school inspections take two days. Inspectors observe lessons, meet with pupils, staff and governors, review safeguarding, and examine school data before reaching their judgements. Schools typically receive notice the afternoon before the inspection begins.