Ofsted Reports
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. They regulate and inspect to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.
Ofsted introduced a renewed inspection framework in 2025, removing the single overall effectiveness grade, such as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ from school inspections. In its place, inspectors now use a detailed ‘report card’ format that rates multiple areas of a school’s performance. The new approach is designed to give parents more meaningful, actionable insights into a school’s strengths and areas for development, rather than a single headline judgement.
This framework is significantly more challenging than the previous one. Importantly, inspectors no longer apply a “best‑fit” approach; instead, schools must demonstrate a “secure fit” for each inspection area, meaning every statement within a judgement area must be met.
While the new framework sets a higher bar than ever before, the report makes clear that Eccleston Mere is a school where pupils are safe, happy, well supported and given rich opportunities to grow. It also recognises that we have strong foundations and the right leadership, staff expertise and community support to continue improving.
Understanding Ofsted report cards and grades
