Ofsted single-word school ratings to be scrapped immediately

Previously, Ofsted awarded one of four headline grades to the schools it inspects: outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Single-word Ofsted judgments for state schools will be scrapped with immediate effect to be replaced by report cards aimed at improving standards and helping parents to better understand schools’ strengths and weaknesses.

The four headline ratings currently awarded by the inspections watchdog in England – outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate – will go as part of radical changes announced on Monday by the government.