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.
5. Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School
Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School, in Parkside Road, celebrated its latest report published on September 25, where it scored all areas at an expected standard and one at a strong standard. Inspectors wrote: "Pupils enjoy being at this school and feel happy here. They take pride in belonging to a close and welcoming school community. Pupils and staff treat each other with respect and kindness. Pupils behave well. They work and play together happily. Bullying is rare, but when it does occur, staff manage this well and resolve incidents promptly. Pupils feel safe in school." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/140310 | Submitted
6. Meersbrook Bank Primary School
A great performance by Meersbrook Bank Primary School, in Derbyshire Lane, which scored three areas at a strong standard in its latest report on September 30. Inspectors wrote: "Staff greet pupils warmly each morning when they arrive. They know pupils well. This helps pupils to feel safe and happy in school. The school values of be kind to everyone, be kind to our world and be the best you can be are lived out by all members of the school community. Pupils treat each other with respect and care about each other. Staff know pupils as individuals and adapt their approaches to each pupil’s specific needs. Pupils feel listened to, which fosters a sense of belonging." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/107002 | Google Maps
7. High Storrs School
High Storrs School achieved a full house of seven areas rated at a 'strong standard' in its latest report on October 8. Inspectors wrote: "Pupils are proud to be a member of High Storrs School. They feel a strong sense of belonging, which is evident in the positive relationships they have with staff and with each other. This is reflected in pupils’ above-average attendance rates and their enjoyment of learning." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/145455
8. Perimount Dary Nursery
In its first inspection since opening, Perimount Day Nursery, in Fraser Road, scored a commendable 'expected standard' in all areas in its report published on October 9. Inspectors wrote: "Children feel safe, secure and valued in this welcoming and inclusive environment. Positive relationships are at the heart of this setting. Children confidently play, explore and learn because they feel known and are well supported. Staff value children's individual interests, experiences and backgrounds." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/2835598 | Google Maps