Every school and academy must make their most recent Ofsted report easily accessible online. This is one of the most simple school website requirements, but many schools miss the opportunity to use their Ofsted page as a way to showcase their strengths and provide additional context.

This short guide explains what maintained schools and academies need to publish, along with best practices for making your Ofsted page more engaging and informative.

Why Publish Your Ofsted Report?

A well-presented Ofsted report section not only meets legal requirements but also reassures parents and promotes your school’s progress and achievements.

1. Compliance – Schools and academies must meet the Ofsted website publication requirements.
2. Transparency – Parents and stakeholders expect quick access to inspection results.
3. Reputation Management – Your Ofsted page is an opportunity to highlight successes and outline your commitment to improvement.

What Do Schools and Academies Need to Publish?

Schools and academies must publish one of the following on their website:

1. A copy of their most recent Ofsted report, OR
2. A direct link to the school’s Ofsted report on the Ofsted website.

While meeting just one of these requirements is enough for compliance, best practice is to include both for ease of access. It’s very simple to go the extra mile with this requirement.

How to Publish Your Ofsted Report Effectively

Follow these steps to comply with requirements while making your Ofsted page more informative and engaging.

Create a Dedicated Ofsted Page

1. Use a clear and simple page title – e.g., “Ofsted Reports & School Inspections”.
2. Ensure it’s easy to find from the main menu (under “About Us” or “School Performance”).

Include a Direct Link to the Ofsted Website

1. Find your school’s Ofsted page and link to it directly.
2. Example text:
3. “You can view our most recent Ofsted report on the Ofsted website.”

Upload a PDF Copy of the Report

1. Provide a downloadable PDF of the report for visitors who prefer to access it directly.
2. Ensure it opens in a new tab rather than replacing your website page.

Add a School Statement

This is a huge missed opportunity for many schools! Instead of just posting the report, add a short paragraph:

1. If the report is positive – Celebrate key achievements. Example:
2. “We are delighted that Ofsted recognised our school’s strong leadership and commitment to high standards. Read the full report below.”
3. If improvements are needed – Show progress. Example:
4. “Following our latest inspection, we have taken clear steps to enhance [specific areas]. Our school improvement plan is in place, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards excellence.”

Provide Context for Parents

Many parents don’t fully understand Ofsted gradings or how inspections work. Consider adding:

1. A brief explanation of the grading system (e.g., “Outstanding,” “Good,” etc.).
2. A summary of key points from the report in plain language.

Example:

“Ofsted praised our school’s welcoming environment and high expectations. We are particularly proud of the recognition for our inclusive approach and strong teaching standards.”

Keep Your Ofsted Page Up to Date

1. Check that the correct report is displayed after each inspection.
2. Regularly test links to ensure they direct users to the right page.

Example of a Well-Structured Ofsted Page

Ofsted Report – [School Name]

Latest Inspection: [Date]

We are pleased to share our latest Ofsted report. Inspectors recognised our commitment to high standards and our dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment. You can read the full report using the links below.

📄 Download Our Ofsted Report (PDF)

🔗 View Our Report on the Ofsted Website

Key Highlights from Our Report

• “High expectations for all students”
• “Strong leadership and effective teaching”
• “A welcoming and inclusive school environment”

Following the inspection, we have taken additional steps to strengthen [mention key area of improvement]. We remain committed to providing the best possible education for our pupils.

For more information about our school performance, visit our Performance & Results Page.

Next Steps for Schools and Trusts

1. Check that your most recent Ofsted report is published on your website.
2. Ensure a direct link to the Ofsted website is included.
3. Enhance your Ofsted page by adding a summary, school statement, or highlights.
4. Update your page regularly to reflect new inspections and progress.

For further guidance, explore our School Website Requirements Guide or join one of our regular live online workshops where we make keeping your website compliance much easier.

By making these small changes, schools can meet compliance while also using their Ofsted page as a positive engagement tool for parents and prospective families.