Methodology

Our approach

School Compass is a parent decision platform. We combine official UK education datasets into scores, rankings, and plain-English insight. We do not accept school-submitted marketing content and we are not affiliated with the DfE, Ofsted, or local authorities.

Data sources

• DfE — GIAS

  School names, addresses, phases, and status. Coverage: England and Wales schools. Refresh: Monthly.

• Ofsted

  Inspection outcomes and safeguarding. Coverage: England state-funded and Ofsted-inspected schools. Refresh: Monthly (state-funded); quarterly (independent).

• DfE admissions

  Applications, offers, and appeals. Coverage: England state-funded school admissions and local authority appeals. Refresh: Annual (DfE EES releases).

• DfE performance & outcomes

  Attainment, progress, and destination data. Coverage: England state-funded school performance and outcomes. Refresh: Annual (DfE EES releases).

• Local admissions authorities

  Published admission arrangements and oversubscription criteria are reflected where available in official datasets.

School Compass Score

The Score combines weighted components from performance, inspection, admissions pressure, and outcomes. Each component is normalised before combination. Version numbers are published in Parent Reports and on the Score explainer page.

Rankings

Rankings show relative position within a local authority and phase. They are descriptive, not prescriptive — a lower rank does not mean a school is unsuitable for every child.

Recommendations & Parent Reports

Recommendations synthesise the same underlying data into tiered verdicts and plain-English narratives. Parent Reports extend this with executive summary, strengths, risks, similar schools, and admissions context in a single PDF.

Limitations

• Data is refreshed on a schedule — not real-time.
• Scores and rankings are tools for comparison, not guarantees of fit for your child.
• Always confirm admissions deadlines and criteria with the local authority and school.
• School Compass does not provide legal or admissions advice.