How Ofsted inspects achievement

Understand how Ofsted will inspect achievement and the key evidence it will consider under the 2025 inspection framework. Download and use our self-evaluation tool to help you review your setting.

Last reviewed on 12 September 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 52261
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 you'll be graded
  4. Achievement for different ages, phases and provision types
  5. Use our self-evaluation tool to review your provision against the framework
  6. Next steps

Achievement is evaluated on a 5-point scale

Ofsted will inspect 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'.

During the planning call, the lead inspector will ask you to evaluate your school's strengths and successes and priorities for improvement, including where you believe you currently sit on the 5-point grading scale for each evaluation area.

The grades are:

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

Previously, pupil achievement was mainly considered as part of the 'quality of education' judgement, particularly when inspectors evaluated the