School Compass

Guides for parents comparing schools

Plain-language help for reading published figures and inspection excerpts — so you can shortlist with clearer questions before you visit.

All guides

Start with how to read the tool, then open the path that matches your child’s stage.

How to read school compare figures as a parentUse published DfE tables and Ofsted/ISI excerpts to shortlist schools across South East England (including Dorset) — without treating them as a league table.
How to compare early years Ofsted and EYFSPOfsted grades and EYFSP area context answer different questions. Learn what to shortlist on before you visit a nursery.
How to use the childminder directoryConsented Ofsted listings, grades where published, and a vetting checklist for wrap-around care — not a ranked list.
How to read KS1 phonics contextSchool-level phonics scores are not published. Use LA benchmarks, location, and inspection excerpts when choosing infant schools.
How to read Key Stage 2 figuresEnd-of-primary tables help you spot patterns across a shortlist. Combine them with inspection excerpts and a visit.
How to read Key Stage 4 and 16–18 figuresGCSE and 16–18 tables help compare secondaries. Understand gaps, special/AP cases, and what to ask on open days.
School Compass FAQCommon questions about School Compass — coverage across South East England (including Dorset), data sources, and how parental compare differs from league tables.