House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Education reforms to deliver on the government’s opportunity mission
02 September 2024 · Department for Education
Proposed by Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government will remove single headline grades from Ofsted's inspection process for state-funded schools starting in the 2024/25 academic year.
- From September 2025, Ofsted will introduce School Report Cards to offer parents a detailed view of school performance.
- The government plans to establish Regional Improvement Teams and high-performing school support programs to assist struggling schools.
Issue summary
The statement addresses reforms to Ofsted's inspection process for state-funded schools by removing single headline grades and introducing more detailed grading criteria and report cards.
Action requested
Ofsted will no longer issue single headline grades, replacing them with four sub-category grades starting in the 2024/25 academic year. From September 2025, School Report Cards will be introduced to provide parents with a comprehensive view of school performance. The government will also introduce Regional Improvement Teams and high-performing school support for struggling schools.
Key facts
- Single headline grades will no longer be issued by Ofsted.
- Parents will see four grades across sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership & management starting in the 2024/25 academic year.
- School Report Cards will be introduced from September 2025 to provide a more complete picture of school performance.
- Regional Improvement Teams will work with teachers and leaders in struggling schools from early 2025.
- Support for schools due to convert or transfer after receiving two consecutive less than ‘Good’ judgements will come from high-performing schools.