THE best rated schools in Colchester have been revealed through Ofsted data.
Across the UK, schools are graded on a four-point scale consisting of outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate.
The establishments previously received an overall effectiveness grade, using the same scale, but as of last year this has now been phased out.
Instead schools are given a 'report card' ranking four areas with a grade.
Out of the 64 education establishments in the Colchester area, the following five received a rating of outstanding upon its last inspection.
The five top rated schools in Colchester:
- St Thomas More's Catholic Primary School - Priory Street, Colchester, Co1 2QB. Last report: February 9, 2024
- Colchester County High School for Girls - Norman Way, Colchester, Co3 3US. Last report: January 29, 2024
- The St Aubyn Centre Education Department - St Aubyn Centre, 2 Boxted Road, Colchester, Co4 5HG. Last report: December 5, 2023
- The Gilberd School - Brinkley Lane, Colchester, Co4 9PU. Last inspection: January 10, 2019
- St Teresa’s Catholic School - Lexden Road, Colchester. Last inspection: January 21, 2025.
Why did Ofsted ratings change?
The changes are partly in response to the wave of criticism that the old rating system received after Ruth Perry's death in January 2023.
Ofsted boss Sir Martyn Oliver said the new report cards' "suite of grades" would give parents "much more detail".
The findings come after Ofsted launched a consultation on Monday on its plans to introduce a new report card system for schools in England.
Schools could be graded across a variety of different areas – including attendance and inclusion – using a colour-coded five-point scale.
But a poll, of 3,045 NAHT members in England, suggests 96% of respondents do not think that Ofsted will make meaningful changes in response to the views shared by the profession during the consultation.
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