In November 2025, the new Labour Government introduced a new framework for Ofsted inspections.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
Schools are still judged and assessed on key areas including achievement, curriculum and teaching, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing, and leadership and governance. Primary schools are also judged on Early Years provision, whilst secondary schools with sixth forms are also judged on their post 16 provision.
Check out the Ofsted report cards for all the city’s schools inspected under the new framework. This is based on the Ofsted reports published at the time of publication of this article.
5. Washington Academy
Washington Academy was inspected by Ofsted on April 21, 2026. Curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing were deemed to be at the expected standard. Achievement and attendance and behaviour were judged to be in need of attention. | Iconic
6. Biddick Academy
Biddick Academy was inspected by Ofsted on March 10, 2026. The school was judged to be at a strong standard for attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing, and at the expected standard for achievement and curriculum and teaching.
7. Fulwell Junior School
Fulwell Junior School was inspected by Ofsted on June 2, 2026. Achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance were deemed to be at a strong standard. Personal development and wellbeing were judged to be exceptional.
8. Ryhope Junior School
Ryhope Junior School was inspected by Ofsted on June 2. Attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing were all deemed to be at a strong standard. Achievement and curriculum and teaching were judged to be at the expected standard. | Ryhope Junior School