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.
9. Woodlands Primary School
Quite a mixed bag for Woodlands Primary School, Norton Avenue, in its latest inspection published on October 22, with two areas rated 'strong', three as 'expected standard' and two as 'needs attention' - probably the most varied inspection report Sheffield has seen under the new Ofsted framework. Inspectors wrote: "Pupils are happy, safe and secure at school. With the introduction of ‘The Woodlands Way’, pupils are polite, respectful and well behaved. The school has a calm and purposeful atmosphere. Pupils treat others with care and kindness... Despite much work from leaders, attendance is too low. Too many pupils are missing too much of school. This has a direct impact on pupils' achievement." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/141339 | Submit
10. Birley Spa Primary Academy
Birley Spa Primary Academy, in Jermyn Crescent, celebrated its latest report on October 22 where it scored an 'expected standard' in all areas and one at 'strong standard'. Inspectors wrote: "Being a pupil at Birley Spa means belonging to a warm and welcoming community. Pupils are proud of their school. They talk about the school's values, such as resilience and teamwork. Pupils explain how these values help them when learning is challenging. Staff know pupils well. Pupils know that there is always a trusted adult who will listen to them. As a result, pupils feel safe and happy." - https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/143965 | Birley Spa Primary Academy