NGA welcomes government’s decision to scrap one-word Ofsted Judgements

In a hugely significant shift in the nation’s education policy direction, the government has immediately scrapped one—or two-word Ofsted inspection grades for schools.

Overall grade categories of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate will no longer be issued. For the time being, Ofsted will continue to inspect schools against the same standards, receiving grades in four sub-judgments, but how overall results are communicated will change significantly.

A new "report card" system will be implemented by September 2025, offering a more detailed description of inspectors' findings.

The National Governance Association (NGA), along with many other key sector voices, had been calling for this change and is therefore delighted by the government's announcement.

Emma Balchin, NGA Chief Executive, said:
"This is really such a pivotal moment for the education sector. The decision to scrap one-word judgements is a clear acknowledgement that the system needed urgent reform. NGA has advocated for a more nuanced approach to the way judgements are cast upon schools, and we were desperate to see a move away from the high-stakes accountability culture that has damaged the sector, individual schools, and, most poignantly, individual lives. The cost has simply been way too high. We are therefore thrilled to see this crucial step being made without further delay, a step which we hope will be towards creating a more supportive and empathetic inspection framework.

Sam Henson, NGA’s Deputy Chief Executive said;
"The tragic circumstances that have led us to this moment starkly illustrate to us all the immense pressure and anxiety caused by the inspection system up to now. Our survey showed us that over half of respondents said Ofsted was the biggest driver in practice and culture in their organisation. This should never have been the case. Ofsted should not be driving the sector in the way it has for so long. By moving away from reductive labels like 'Inadequate' or 'Outstanding', we can foster an environment where schools are encouraged to improve rather than living in fear of career-ending judgements."

While welcoming this change, NGA emphasises that this should be seen as the beginning of a broader reform process.

Emma Balchin, NGA Chief Executive, said:
"The removal of single-word grades is, of course, a massively significant first step, but there is still work to be done. NGA will do everything we can to bring the voice of the incredible governance community into the conversation at every opportunity. We look forward to seeing how the new 'report card' system, set to be introduced by September 2025, will provide a more comprehensive and fair assessment of schools.
Put simply, it's crucial that this new approach places the wellbeing of staff and leaders on an equal footing with driving improvement in pupil outcomes. We need an accountability system that empowers educators, encourages innovation, and recognizes the complex contexts in which schools operate."