Ofsted Inspection 2026
Ofsted undertook an inspection of Highfields School on 3 and 4 February 2026.
You may have heard through the national media that the inspection framework introduced by Ofsted in January 2026 is significantly different from the previous model. The changes represent a move away from a single-word overall effectiveness judgement (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate) towards a more detailed, report-card-style system. Schools are now assessed across eight different standards, each graded on a new five-point scale: Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention and Urgent Improvement.
We are delighted to report that Highfields has been recognised for our work with young people at a ‘Strong Standard’ in Inclusion, Achievement, Behaviour and Attendance. Inspectors identified many areas in which our practice exceeds expectations. These outcomes reflect our commitment to creating an environment in which all students are happy, achieve and thrive.
Leadership and Governance, Curriculum and Teaching, Sixth Form and Personal Development were all assessed as meeting the ‘Expected Standard’.
Taken together, these outcomes reflect the strength of our whole school community and the dedication of our staff, students, governors and families. This was reported by BBC news which you can read by clicking on this link: htttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2d8k2e3979o?app-referrer=deep-link.
We are proud of what has been achieved and remain fully committed to ensuring every young person at Highfields receives the highest quality education, care and support.
Ofsted Inspection Letter 2026
Ofsted Inspection 2021
Ofsted undertook an inspection under Section 5 of the Education Act 2005 on 19 & 20 October 2021. This inspection was undertaken by a team comprising five Ofsted Inspectors.
The overall effectiveness of the school was classed as Good, with Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development classed as Outstanding. Inspectors found our school to be welcoming and inclusive, where students are happy, feel safe, well cared for and valued. They found behaviour around the school to be exemplary and lessons calm and focused.
Leaders were commended for their approach in educating ‘the whole child’ and that they place high importance on personal development for all students to become proud, active members of the school.
Ofsted Inspection Letter 2021
Ofsted Inspection 2020
Ofsted visited Highfields on 24 November 2020 under Section 8 of the Education Act 2005 (amended) in line with their published procedures for visiting schools while routine inspections were temporarily suspended due to Covid-19.
This remote visit was not an inspection and graded judgements were not given. Students were not spoken with, and the conversations that took place were with members of the Senior Leadership Team and the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Ofsted Inspection Letter 2020
Ofsted Inspection 2018
Ofsted visited Highfields to carry out a Section 8 inspection on Wednesday 10 October. The visit was the first short inspection carried out since the school was judged to be ‘Good’ in March 2011. As we were only inspected under the Section 8 framework, this means it was not possible for us to improve the previous Ofsted judgement.
The Ofsted team had many positive comments to make about our school, including exemplary pupil behaviour and attitude to learning, the school’s ‘happy and harmonious atmosphere’, excellent teacher subject knowledge and strong culture of mutual respect between staff and students.
Ofsted Inspection letter 2018
Ofsted Report 2011
Highfields School was inspected in March 2011. The Ofsted team had many positive comments to make about our school. Their overall judgement was that Highfields is a 'good school with outstanding features'. We were especially pleased with the inspectors' recognition of the excellent contribution made by our pupils to their school.
Ofsted Inspection Letter 2011
Click on the image below to view the school report and history on the Ofsted Website:
Parent View
We appreciate your input, as parents and carers, into our school. Your support helps to make the Highfields community one that we are all proud to be a part of. We would, therefore, encourage you to put forward your opinions of the school to Ofsted, via Parent View.
Please click the image below to access the Ofsted Parent View Website.
“Highfields is a welcoming and inclusive school”
“Leaders create a positive climate where all pupils irrespective of race, gender or religion can flourish.”
“Teachers have extremely high expectations of pupils and these are well understood”
“My child moved to Highfields from a different school where he was unhappy. He is a different child: motivated, happy and secure”
“Pupils care about each other and their school. Behaviour is exemplary””
“Pupils value the exceptional range of extra-curricular opportunities on offer”