A new pilot program in Camden, north London, is testing a revamped school report card system aimed at giving parents a clearer, more detailed view of schools. Starting in September 2025, this format will replace the one-word Ofsted judgments that were scrapped earlier this year.
The Camden model, accessible via smartphones and tablets, allows parents to search for schools and explore key information through words, pictures, and data. The report includes a concise “Our School in 100 Words” section, showcasing values and strengths, followed by “Our School in 10 Photos” to highlight facilities and activities.
In addition to the latest Ofsted inspection, it integrates official statistics such as GCSE results, Sats scores, and school absence rates. Schools also provide insights into their learning approaches, well-being policies, and support for students with special educational needs. All data is standardized to make comparisons easier for parents.
Parents, like Shabnam Eslambolchi, who is part of the PTA at Gospel Oak Primary School, have praised the pilot, finding it a more comprehensive tool compared to traditional Ofsted reports. “You learn about the school community, what they offer,” she said.
The initiative was led by Camden Learning, a partnership between local schools and the council, and chaired by Dame Christine Gilbert, former Ofsted chief inspector. Dame Christine believes the project provides a better understanding of a school’s ethos, and should inspire future national changes in school reporting.
A consultation on the future of national Ofsted report cards will begin early next year, with initial leaks suggesting schools will be rated in ten different areas. However, the Camden model’s collaborative approach, where schools actively contribute to the report content, has sparked debate about whether it offers enough accountability for school improvement.
Despite the challenges, educators like Regent High School head Gary Moore and Gospel Oak headteacher John Hayes welcome the broader approach, seeing it as a more authentic and family-friendly alternative to traditional Ofsted evaluations. Camden plans to include Ofsted ratings in its national report cards from next year.