Last week, Ofsted launched a public consultation on changes to the way it inspects and grades schools.
Under the proposal, state-funded schools would be evaluated in at least nine different categories - including new ones like attendance and inclusion - with each given a colour-coded grade on a new, five-point scale.
The watchdog would stick with its decision late last year to drop overall one-word ratings, which had made national headlines after a coroner ruled that an inspection which saw her school downgraded contributed to the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.
However, teaching and education unions remain vocally unhappy with the new proposed changes, which they fear will have the same issues as the current inspection system.
If the proposals are implemented, schools will no longer be judged by whether their provision is ‘inadequate’, ‘requires improvement’, ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, instead each catgegory will be colour coded, starting with red (causing concern) on the left, followed by orange (attention needed), light green (secure), medium green (strong), and dark green (exemplary).
You can read more about these changes to Ofsted inspections here but below we have outlined where all the Blackpool secondary schools currently stand according to Ofsted’s grading system, before it all changes again!

7. Highfield Leadership Academy
Rated requires improvement overall in May 2024 | Google Maps

8. Unity Academy
Rated inadequate for two categories, good for two and requires improvement for one category in March 2025 | Eric Wright Construction Group

9. South Shore Academy
Has not been inspected since its academisation but was last rated inadequate before that in September 2024 | Google


