School Compass
School Compass FAQ
Common questions about School Compass — coverage across South East England (including Dorset), data sources, and how parental compare differs from league tables.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers parents ask before they shortlist.
Is School Compass a league table?
No. It is a parental shortlist and compare tool. Published figures and inspection excerpts help you prepare visits — they are not a ranked “best school” verdict.
Which areas are covered?
Hampshire is the deepest maintained root. Ready packs for South East England (including Dorset) merge silently into map and search. Areas outside the region can be requested from the missing-school flow.
Where do the numbers come from?
DfE Explore Education Statistics (KS2 and KS4), Ofsted independent-school and childcare management information, ISI citations where relevant, school coordinates via postcodes.io, and road distances from OSRM.
Why are some cells blank or flagged?
Gaps are honest: special/AP settings, new establishments, ISI-inspected independents without Ofsted grades, middle schools without Year 11, or measures the DfE does not publish at school level (for example phonics or provider-level EYFSP).
How should I use a visit pack?
Print after you shortlist a few settings. Use the prompts on open days or calls, note what you saw, and decide with fit for your child — not the tables alone.
Is School Compass free?
Yes. The web compare tool is free to use in the browser. Optional account save is for shortlist convenience only.