Guides

Straightforward explainers for parents choosing a school in England — starting with the 2025 Ofsted report-card changes that replaced the old single grade.

• Ofsted report cards explained — the five-point scale and what replaced the single grade.
• What happened to “Outstanding”? — why “Exceptional” is much rarer, with real numbers.
• Is “Expected standard” a good grade? — the actual grade distribution, so a middle grade reads calmly.
• The school admissions timeline — deadlines, offer days, waiting lists and appeals.
• How we colour and rate schools — our editorial rule, in the open.