How Ofsted inspects achievement

Understand how Ofsted will inspect achievement in your school/trust and the key evidence it will consider under the 2025 inspection framework.

Last reviewed on 15 September 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 45729
Contents
  1. Achievement is evaluated on a 5-point scale
  2. Achievement focuses on outcomes, progress and providing high-quality education for all
  3. How your school will be graded
  4. Achievement for different ages, phases and provision types
  5. Next steps

Achievement is evaluated on a 5-point scale

Inspectors will give your school a grade for 'achievement' based on your pupils' academic achievements and whether your school provides high-quality education for all pupils.

Achievement is 1 of the evaluation areas that will appear on your school’s inspection report card. Each area will be graded using Ofsted’s new 5-point grading system, with Ofsted expecting most schools to attain at least an ‘expected standard’ in each evaluation area. The exception is safeguarding, which is either 'met' or 'not met'.

The grades are:

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement

Achievement focuses on outcomes, progress and providing high-quality education for all

Previously, pupil achievement was mainly considered as part of the 'quality of education' judgement, particularly when inspectors evaluated the 'impact' of a school's curriculum.

Outcomes from national tests and exams (where applicable) Progress pupils