Impressive increase in positive Ofsted ratings for Stoke-on-Trent schools

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is pleased at the news that almost 90% of pupils in Stoke-on-Trent attend schools that have received a “good” or “outstanding” rating from Ofsted.

Figures recently released for Q4 2023-24 confirm that the overall percentage of pupils in Stoke-on-Trent currently attending a school classified as “good” or “outstanding” by Ofsted is 89.8%. This consists of 92% for primary schools, and 86.2% for secondary schools.

The figures exceed the City Council’s 2023/24 target of 86%, as well as demonstrating a gradual increase from the total figures in recent years, which include the duration of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Previous figures for pupils in Stoke-on-Trent attending a school that had been rated “good” or “outstanding” by Ofsted consist of 81.3% for 2018/19; 77.4% for 2019/20; 77.6% for 2020/21; 81.3% for 2021/22; and 86.40% for 2022/23.

Ofsted schools inspections determine the standard of service delivery that a school provides in such areas as quality of education; leadership and governance; safeguarding; and attendance and behaviour.

If a school is deemed to be “good” or “outstanding”, inspections will take place within four academic years of its most recent inspection. Should a school be deemed to require improvements, inspections will take place within 2 ½ years with recommendations provided on how the school should change.

The gradual increase to almost nine out of ten Stoke-on-Trent schools having a “good” or “outstanding” rating from Ofsted is very welcome news, not only for pupils but also for parents, and for those working at the schools themselves.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for education and anti-poverty said: “This is very encouraging and indicates that the vast majority of schools within our city are of a high calibre in every department. We wish to thank all key personnel at schools across Stoke-on-Trent for working so hard, particularly during the challenges of recent times, to ensure that both primary and secondary school pupils receive an excellent education, and are treated appropriately and with respect as they develop their skills for the future.

“It is also a very positive sign that these figures have increased significantly from just a few short years ago, and that the latest numbers exceed our targets for the 2023/24 academic year. Education is so valuable to a child’s future, and we’re delighted that so many of the schools in our city have received Ofsted’s official approval for delivering an excellent standard of teaching.”

You can find out more about Ofsted’s work by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted.