Ofsted reports

January 2026

We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection (November 2025) and to celebrate what this inspection recognises about Dovedale. As you are aware, we were the first school in Liverpool to be inspected under the new framework.

A new way of reporting inspections

This inspection was carried out under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, introduced nationally from September 2025. Under this framework, schools are no longer given a single overall grade such as Outstanding or Good. Instead, inspectors evaluate schools across a range of areas using clear, descriptive standards.

You will see references in the report to an Expected Standard and a Strong Standard. The expected standard means exactly that: the school is doing everything it should be doing to ensure pupils receive the education, care and support they need and deserve. This is a high benchmark and is shown as green on the Ofsted report card.

Moving beyond this, a strong standard highlights excellent and consistent practice that is making a clear and sustained difference for children and learners. Schools judged to be operating at this level are working above what is expected nationally.

It is important to note that these outcomes cannot be compared directly to previous Ofsted grades or frameworks. The new approach is designed to give you, as parents, a richer and more meaningful understanding of what it is really like to be a pupil at Dovedale, and how well leaders are supporting children to thrive.

What Ofsted said about Dovedale

We are incredibly proud that Ofsted found Dovedale to be operating at a Strong Standard across almost all areas, with safeguarding fully met.

Inspectors described a school where:

• Pupils are proud to be part of Dovedale, feel safe and are eager to come to school each day.
• Behaviour and attendance are strong, with calm and orderly routines.
• The curriculum is ambitious, expertly designed and carefully sequenced, enabling pupils to make meaningful and sophisticated connections across subjects.
• Teaching is highly effective, informed by educational research and supported by high-quality professional development.
• Inclusion is a standout strength, with an unwavering commitment to pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those who may be vulnerable.
• Leadership and governance are highly effective, strategic and reflective, driving sustained improvement while keeping pupils firmly at the centre of the school’s work.
• The school is thriving under confident, capable leadership that puts pupils at the heart of all that it does.
• Pupils benefit from a rich and impressive personal development offer, including leadership roles, extensive enrichment opportunities and strong pastoral care.
• Reading is a particular strength, with outcomes consistently above national averages over time.

Inspectors also praised the school’s reflective and relentless approach to improvement, recognising that leaders are already taking effective action to address the next steps identified.

Link to our report on the Ofsted website : 

Ofsted Report

What this means

Achieving a Strong Standard under the new Ofsted framework confirms that Dovedale is working above the level expected nationally, delivering high-quality education, care and support for all pupils. The inspection shows Dovedale is inclusive, ambitious, nurturing and forward-looking.

This outcome is a testament to our wonderful children, the dedication and expertise of our staff, the strong support of our governors, and the trust and partnership we share with you as parents and carers. We could not be prouder of what has been recognised.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to building on this success.

Yours sincerely,

Nik Smith

Head Teacher

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