Fabulous news on the first day of my new job! As a former Headteacher and now the Chief Operations Officer at Evaluate-Ed, I couldn’t be more excited about this landmark decision to scrap single headline Ofsted grades.
This change is not just a win for schools but a crucial step towards creating a more supportive and transparent educational environment that truly reflects the strengths and challenges of each school.
This is something I have been supporting through my work with NAHT—the school leaders’ union that has been advocating for this reform for many years. The wellbeing of school leaders is vital, and this is a huge step in recognising the unbearable pressure they and teachers have been under.
The Burden of Single Headline Grades
For years, schools have been labelled with a single-word judgment that could never fully capture the complexity and richness of what goes on within their walls. Whether “Outstanding,” “Good,” “Requires Improvement,” or “Inadequate,” these simplistic grades have long been criticised for being reductive and unfair. They’ve put tremendous pressure on schools, often overshadowing the nuanced, day-to-day efforts of teachers and leaders who work tirelessly to improve their institutions.
As someone who has spent two decades leading schools, I’ve seen firsthand how these judgments can demoralise staff, stigmatise schools, and distort the focus of educational improvement. The idea that an entire school can be summed up in a single grade has always seemed unjust and counterproductive. It’s a relief to see this outdated practice being replaced with a more comprehensive approach.
The New Framework: A Comprehensive View of School Performance
The government’s decision to focus on four distinct grades – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership & management – represents a significant shift towards a more balanced and transparent system. This new approach will allow schools to be evaluated across a broader spectrum of their operations, providing a more detailed picture of their strengths and areas for improvement.
At Evaluate-Ed, we’ve long championed the importance of understanding a school’s unique strengths. Our platform was built on the idea that schools should “start with what’s strong” to drive meaningful improvement. This reform aligns perfectly with our philosophy, and we’re excited to support schools as they navigate this new landscape.
Empowering Schools to Improve
One of the most exciting aspects of this reform is the potential it has to empower schools. By moving away from the high-stakes environment created by single headline grades, schools can focus more on genuine improvement rather than on ticking boxes to avoid a negative label.
In my new role at Evaluate-Ed, I’m eager to help schools embrace an improvement model that celebrates what they do well while identifying areas for growth without the fear of being unfairly judged. Our platform enables schools to conduct live self-evaluations, plan for improvement, and track their progress over time – all through a strengths-based lens. We believe that this approach not only fosters a more positive school culture but also leads to more sustainable, long-term improvements.
A Focus on Wellbeing
This reform is also a significant victory for the wellbeing of school leaders and staff. The pressure of maintaining or improving a single headline grade has been immense, often leading to stress, burnout, and in some tragic cases, much worse. The recent decision to remove these grades is a step towards alleviating this pressure and acknowledging the hard work that goes into running a school.
The tragic case of Headteacher Ruth Perry, whose death was linked to the stress of an Ofsted inspection, highlighted the urgent need for change. The government’s response, informed by consultation with education professionals and Ruth Perry’s family, marks a compassionate and much-needed shift in how we approach school accountability.
Looking Ahead: School Report Cards and Regional Improvement Teams
This reform is just the beginning. The introduction of School Report Cards in September 2025 promises to further enhance transparency and provide parents with a full and comprehensive assessment of school performance. These report cards will offer a detailed breakdown of how schools are doing in various areas, allowing parents to make more informed decisions and helping schools focus on targeted improvements.
Additionally, the creation of Regional Improvement Teams is a promising development. These teams will work closely with struggling schools to address their specific challenges, providing support rather than simply imposing sanctions. This approach aligns with our belief at Evaluate-Ed that improvement should be collaborative and supportive, not punitive.
A Bold New Chapter
For me, this reform couldn’t come at a better time. I have taken the bold move to leave my Headteacher role this year, and in my new position at Evaluate-Ed, I am eager to help schools embrace a new model of improvement—one that “starts with what’s strong.” Schools should be able to celebrate what they do well without fear of a label based on improvements that they know they need to develop.
As we embark on the 2024-2025 academic year, I wish all leaders and school staff a fabulous start. This is a positive year where we can all begin to “start with what’s strong and transform what’s wrong.”
The Role of Evaluate-Ed in This New Era
At Evaluate-Ed, we are ready to support schools through these changes. Our platform is designed to help schools carry out self-evaluations, create detailed improvement plans, and monitor progress in real-time. By focusing on what’s working well and addressing areas of concern with targeted strategies, schools can drive meaningful, lasting change.
We believe that this new era of school accountability will lead to more positive outcomes for students, staff, and communities. Schools will no longer be defined by a single, reductive label but will be celebrated for their strengths and supported in their areas of need.
This is an exciting time for education, and I am honoured to be part of a movement that prioritises the wellbeing of school leaders and the continuous improvement of our schools. The future of school accountability is bright and at Evaluate-Ed, we are committed to helping schools navigate this new landscape with confidence and success.
