Outstanding is evidence, not the whole answer
An Ofsted judgement is useful because it comes from an official inspection process. But the headline grade is only one part of a school decision. The Outstanding Ofsted ranking can help you find schools to inspect more closely; it should not be the final ordering tool.
For grammar schools, parents also need to know whether the child can qualify, whether the school can offer, how the journey works and what the school feels like in practice.
Example
Two grammar schools may both have strong results. One has an Outstanding Ofsted grade from several years ago; another has a more recent Good report with strong comments in areas that matter to your child. The headline does not settle the choice alone.
What to read
- The inspection date.
- The full report, not just the grade.
- School safeguarding and behaviour comments.
- Curriculum and sixth-form comments if relevant.
- Current admissions policy and daily travel.
Pair inspection with the visit
Use Ofsted to prepare better questions. Then use the open day questions guide, school profile and admissions policy to decide whether the school is realistic and suitable.