Ofsted’s 2025 Focus: How Better School Communication Builds Reputation

From November 2025, Ofsted will introduce a new Education Inspection Framework designed to give parents the information they need about their child’s school. 

Instead of a single overall grade, schools will receive a report-card style outcome with narrative summaries of strengths, areas for development and school context. The goal is to make information more meaningful and accessible for parents. 

For school leaders, this is more than a change in inspection format, it’s a shift in how schools are judged and understood. The way you communicate with parents will directly influence how your school’s performance, and reputation, is perceived. 

At ReachMoreParents, we help schools build and manage their reputation through clear, consistent and parent-focused communication - the very principles Ofsted now promotes. 

1. Ofsted’s new framework puts communication at the heart of reputation

The new inspection framework encourages openness and clarity. Parents will be able to see what schools do well and where they are improving - and they’ll expect that same transparency in everyday communication. 

Schools can get ahead by mirroring this approach by communicating your progress, priorities and pupil achievements in a straightforward, parent-friendly way. 

Good communication doesn’t just inform parents, it shapes how they talk about your school. 

2. Speak in plain language parents understand

Ofsted wants reports that every parent can easily interpret. Your school communications should do the same. Avoid jargon and explain what results or policies mean for pupils. 

For example: 

Instead of ‘embedding a knowledge-rich curriculum,’ say ‘we’re helping pupils build the skills and confidence to succeed.’ 

Clear, relatable language builds understanding and understanding builds trust. 

3. Make information inclusive and accessible

Meaningful communication reaches every parent. Review your channels to ensure: 

• The school website and parent app are mobile-friendly 
• Translations or multilingual options are available for EAL families 
• Updates are consistent across all platforms 

Accessibility and inclusion aren’t just compliance tasks, they’re powerful ways to demonstrate your school’s values and reinforce a positive reputation. 

4. Share your school story - not just your Ofsted score

Parents care about more than performance data. Ofsted’s new narrative reports recognise that every school has a story to tell - and so should your communications. 

Show what life is really like at your school: classroom activities, pastoral care, community projects and success stories. These moments humanise your school and show parents your ethos in action. 

Storytelling builds emotional connection, and that connection shapes how parents describe and recommend your school to others. 

5. Turn information into engagement

The best schools will use the new Ofsted focus as an opportunity to strengthen parent engagement. 

Create a simple plan that: 

• Uses Newsfeed, Notices and Messages to deliver the right information at the right time 
• Shares regular updates, not just inspection outcomes 
• Encourages feedback and two-way communication through surveys or polls 

When parents feel informed and involved, they become advocates - strengthening your reputation both online and within the community. 

Conclusion 

Ofsted’s 2025 framework makes one thing clear: schools that communicate effectively will build stronger reputations. Transparency, accessibility and authenticity are now not just good practice, they’re expectations. 

By giving parents clear, meaningful information, schools build trust that lasts far beyond an inspection. 

At ReachMoreParents, we help schools do exactly that, turning communication into connection, and connection into reputation. 

Find out how ReachMoreParents can help your school strengthen its reputation through better parent communication.