School accountability reform: a summary

Get up to speed on the changes, which include new digital school profiles and a faster, stronger approach to school improvement.

Last reviewed on 11 September 2025
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Contents
  1. More clarity over the principles that will guide school accountability 
  2. New digital services to provide information about schools
  3. A faster approach to school improvement

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed changes to the school accountability system, following the consultation launched in February 2025. It has published the consultation outcome, along with an analysis of responses. Find out more in our article about the consultation on The Key Leaders.

The changes to school accountability are separate to but complement the September 2025 Ofsted framework updates.

Statutory guidance on support and intervention in schools has also been updated. 

Read on for a summary of the main changes.

More clarity over the principles that will guide school accountability 

Drive high and rising standards, supporting all children and young people, regardless of their circumstances, to achieve and thrive Provide assurance to parents, giving them clear, transparent and reliable information to inform choices – recognising the breadth of what a school does across a range of criteria, including achievement and attendance Give school leaders, staff and responsible bodies granular insights with