Inspectors heaped praise on 10 Sheffield schools and nurseries in their latest Ofsted reports published over recent weeks.
Ever since the arrival of new, tougher guidelines earlier this year, schools have found visits from the education watchdog more rigorous than ever.
Further, many reports in 2026 are now often a mix of praise and stern criticism.
Not so for Sheffield in September and October 2026.
These 10 reports published in the last six weeks are some of the best the city has seen all year, and almost universally describe schools as ‘happy’, ‘welcoming’ and ‘ambitious.’
High Storrs School achieved a full house of seven areas rated at a ‘strong standard’.
Bright Horizons Millhouses Day Nursery also achieved seven areas rated at a top grade.
Another standout was Perimount Day Nursery, which earned an ‘expected standard’ in all areas in its very first Ofsted visit.
Check our gallery below to the compliments dished out by Ofsted for Sheffield’s schools and nurseries in September and October 2026.
1. Newfield Secondary School
Newfield Secondary School came up gleaming in its latest report published on September 15, with two areas rated at a 'strong standard'. Inspectors wrote: "Pupils experience a calm, orderly school where clear routines help them feel safe and ready to learn. Staff greet pupils warmly each morning and set a purposeful tone for the day. In lessons, pupils' behaviour is excellent." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/140821 | Mercia Learning Trust
2. Sacred Heart School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
A great showing by Sacred Heart School in Ribley Street, Hillsborough, who scored three areas at a 'strong standard' in its latest report published September 15, 2026. Inspectors wrote: "Pupils thrive in this caring, highly inclusive and welcoming school community. They feel proud to belong to a school where fairness, empathy, kindness and respect shape their daily life. Pupils build positive relationships with staff and each other." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/140439 | Google Maps
3. Bright Horizons Millhouses Day Nurder and Preschool
An outstanding showing by Bright Horizons Millhouses Day Nursery in Archer Drive, who scored a full house of seven areas at a 'strong standard' in its latest report on September 22. Inspectors wrote: "Children thrive in this wonderfully nurturing and welcoming setting, where they form warm, trusting relationships with staff from the very beginning. Children feel safe, secure and valued because staff take the time to get to know them and their families extremely well." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY544933 | Bright Horizons UK
4. Wisewood Nursery & Primary School
Well done to Wisewood Nursery & Primary School, in Ben Lane, who scored three areas at a 'strong standard' in its latest report published on September 23. Inspectors wrote: "This is a small school where, as pupils put it, 'everyone knows everyone'. Pupils value the way older and younger children play and learn side by side. When a new pupil arrives, they make friends straight away, and those friendships last throughout their time at the school. Older pupils take pride in setting a good example to the younger ones." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/142074 | Google Maps