New Ofsted inspections start November
At a recent national education conference, Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver, spoke about how schools can help every child achieve, belong and thrive. These ideas match our approach at Fielding and guide how we support all pupils, especially those with special educational needs (SEND) or from disadvantaged backgrounds. New Ofsted inspections start in November. We anticipate our next inspection between September 2026 and July 2028. The new highest grade, “Exceptional” cannot be mapped to our current "Outstanding" judgement.
Key points include:
- Inclusion and high standards go hand-in-hand. We set and realise ambitious goals for all pupils, including those with SEND and/or are from disadvantaged backgrounds or the few who have been looked after by the state. Teachers and other staff go above and beyond to do their best to give all of our pupils the best education and access to opportunities.
- One-word judgements are changing. New Ofsted report cards will give fuller, more rounded narratives about a school. Grades that we are all used to hearing cannot be directly compared to the new. We are expecting the new report cards to be more nuanced, showing a range of grades. When our inspection is announced, we will remove our one-word "Outstanding" judgement from school signs and our website.
- Calm classrooms matter. Good behaviour helps every child feel safe and ready to learn. Oliver told school leaders, "And that is why we will back you in upholding high standards of behaviour in you schools, backing headteachers to enforce rules and routines. Because it is neither inclusive nor acceptable to acqiesce to the unacceptable behaviour of one pupil, at the expense of the other children in that classroom."
- Beyond the data. Ofsted inspection and school improvement are about understanding each child's experience of life in school, not just headline test scores. We continue to deliver high academic acheivement underpinned by our values-based living approach to give all of our pupils grow up to be the best possible person they can be.
Read more:
Peter Dunmall