Ofsted has changed: what the new report cards mean when you choose a training provider

If you have ever chosen a training provider by asking what their Ofsted grade is, that question no longer has an answer. Since 10 November 2025 there is no overall effectiveness grade. The first report cards under the new system were published on 12 January 2026.

What replaced the single grade

Providers are now graded separately across a number of evaluation areas, on a five point scale: exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement.

The point of the change is that a single word never told you much. A provider could be good overall and weak at the one thing that mattered to you. Now you can see where the strength actually sits.

In early years there is also a separate safeguarding judgement, recorded simply as met or not met.

What the first batch showed

The first 19 report cards covered independent training providers and adult learning providers. One provider was rated exceptional. Eight had at least one area at strong standard. Six had at least one area needing attention. None received urgent improvement in any area.

That spread is the useful part. Under the old system most of those providers would have looked similar on paper.

The question to ask instead

Stop asking "what is your Ofsted grade". Ask this instead:

"What did you score in each evaluation area, and what does your report card say about leadership, inclusion, and meeting skills needs?"

Then ask to see the report card rather than a summary of it. A provider that is comfortable with its inspection outcome will send it without hesitating. Pay particular attention to the area that matches your reason for training. If you are training a team that needs a lot of support, inclusion is the area to read. If you are buying because of a specific workforce gap, read what the report says about meeting skills needs.

We would rather you asked us harder questions than easier ones. If you want to talk to us about how we deliver and what we are held to, call 01254 679998.

Sources

GOV.UK, education inspection framework from November 2025
GOV.UK, inspection information for further education and skills providers