How the schools score works

1. 1

   Find the nearest schools

   We measure the straight-line distance from the centre of the postcode to every school on the Department for Education’s Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register. Schools are grouped into primary (up to 15 within 1.5 miles, widened to 3.0 miles if none), secondary including all-through (up to 12 within 3.0 miles, widened to 6.0 miles if none), and other provision such as special schools and pupil referral units (up to 10 within 3.0 miles). Independent schools are included and flagged.

2. 2

   Look up each school’s latest inspection

   Each school is matched to its most recent Ofsted inspection. We evaluate both the new report cards (introduced November 2025 with area-level criteria) and legacy graded inspections under the Education Inspection Framework. Ungraded inspections carry forward the previous graded outcome, shown dated.

3. 3

   Convert inspection outcomes to points

   Outcomes are mapped to a consistent 2–10 points scale across report cards and legacy inspections (see the table below). We average the points across nearby schools.

4. 4

   Rank it nationally

   We compare that average with the same figure for areas across the country and turn the rank into a score from 10 to 100.

Ofsted inspections are scored on a unified 2–10 points scale whether assessed under the modern report card framework or the previous Education Inspection Framework (OEIF).

A score of 100 means the schools around the postcode average better grades than those around 90% of areas.

Each school’s details. Phase, school type, age range, distance, latest inspection outcome, report card ratings, and official exam results. Exam results do not alter the score directly.

Academic attainment & exam results:

• Key Stage 2 (Primary): Percentage of pupils achieving the expected standard (and higher standard) in combined reading, writing and mathematics.
• Key Stage 4 (GCSE / Secondary): Attainment 8 score, and percentage of pupils achieving grades 4+ and 5+ in both English and mathematics. Progress 8 is included when published by the DfE.
• 16–18 (Sixth Form / College): Average A level grade and academic value-added progress measures.

Nurseries & early years: Up to 10 nearest named day care providers within 1.0 mile (widened to 3.0 miles and up to 5 providers if none closer) from the official Ofsted Early Years Register. In accordance with child safeguarding rules, Ofsted withholds home addresses and personal names of domestic childminders.

Universities: The 5 nearest within 10 km (6.2 miles), widened to 30 km (18.6 miles) if none are closer.

• Being near a school does not guarantee a place. School admissions and priority catchment areas are determined by local authorities and academy trusts.
• Distances are measured in a straight line; walking and driving routes will be longer.
• Ofsted discontinued single-word overall grades for state schools in September 2024. New inspections receive detailed report cards (from November 2025) with area evaluations. Legacy grades remain valid until a school is reinspected.
• Inspections provide a snapshot at a given point in time; schools evolve, and an older inspection may not capture recent changes.
• The GIAS register covers educational establishments in England only; postcodes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not receive a schools score.