Posted May 27th 2025
Understanding Ofsted’s Requirements: What Must Be on Your School Website?
Ofsted’s expectations for school websites are detailed and evolving. The statutory list is substantial, but it’s not just about having information—it’s about clarity, accessibility, and demonstrating your school’s unique offer.
Key compliance requirements include:
Contact Information: Clear address, phone number, and contact email.
Admission Arrangements: Up-to-date policies and process overviews.
Curriculum Details: Comprehensive, year-group specific curriculum breakdowns and subjects taught.
Pupil Premium Reports: Strategies for use and impact analysis.
SEN Information Reports: Inclusive policies and detailed support procedures.
Exam and Assessment Outcomes: Current and historical performance data.
Safeguarding Policies: Easily accessible and proactively signposted.
Behaviour Policies and Inclusion Statements: Demonstrating your school’s approach and ethos.
Accessibility is also paramount. Ofsted expects your website to be usable for all—this means alt-text for images, transcripts for videos, and layouts that comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Regular updates matter as well. Ofsted want to see information that’s not only present but current and relevant. Stale or missing content can raise red flags, suggesting poor attention to statutory duty.
Bespoke CMS: Your Compliance Powerhouse
Keeping your site comprehensive and up-to-date can feel daunting, especially when regulations shift or staffing changes. This is where a bespoke Content Management System (CMS) tailored to education settingsbecomes invaluable.
A well-designed, education-focused CMS streamlines compliance by:
Simplifying Updates: Intuitive interfaces mean your staff can quickly update policies, news, or statutory documents without complex training.
Automated Alerts: Built-in reminders for policy renewal dates can help prevent content lapses—so nothing slips through the cracks.
Version Control: Easily manage document histories and roll back changes if needed, maintaining an audit trail ideal for inspections.
Accessibility Tools: Integrated features prompt you to add alt text, check font contrast, and test for mobile responsiveness, so your site supports every user.
By using a CMS developed with schools in mind, you can focus on strategic digital engagement rather than wrestling with technical hurdles. At Techcare Digital, we design websites for schools that do just this—allowingyour team to showcase your strengths while remaining confidently compliant.
Beyond Compliance: Features That Make Your School Website Stand Out
Ticking the compliance checklist is essential, but it’s the qualities unique to your school that turn visitors into advocates. A standout school website doesn’t just inform—it captivates and connects.
Consider these features to create a memorable, compliant site:
Showcase Your Community: High-quality photography and thoughtfully produced videos can bring your environment and ethos to life. Dynamic content helps families and Ofsted inspectors alike see thevibrancy behind your policies.
Engage With Interactive Elements: Tools like downloadable calendars, interactive prospectus pages, or even virtual tours provide dynamic ways for visitors to explore your offering. These features encouragelonger visits and better recall.
Intuitive Navigation and Usability: Group your statutory and non-statutory information under clear menus. An easy path to essential information demonstrates your commitment to accessibility andtransparency.
Mobile Responsiveness: With most users browsing on smart devices, your site must look great and function flawlessly on smaller screens—as expected by Ofsted.
If you’re considering a refresh or overhaul, working with expert website designers for schools ensures all these elements are woven together. It’s crucial your site reflects your unique values, showcases your achievements,and supports engagement—while meeting legal obligations without fuss.
Elevating Your School Website: Where Compliance Meets Creativity
Your website is both your first impression and your compliance record in one. Ofsted’s requirements may set the minimum standard, but the real opportunity is in using your site as a living showcase for your school’sdistinctiveness.
If you want to see examples of how primary schools websites can balance Ofsted essentials with bespoke storytelling, our portfolio at Techcare Digital offers plenty of inspiration. We believe you shouldn’t have to choosebetween compliance, creativity, and ease of use.
Time to Review Your School Website?
With each inspection framework iteration, digital compliance becomes more central. If you’re unsure whether your current website meets the latest requirements—or want to enhance your school’s online engagement—wecan help.
Let’s ensure your website reflects your school’s excellence, inspires your stakeholders, and makes meeting Ofsted’s demands effortless. Find out how our bespoke primary site web design and tailored CMS can supportyour school’s unique journey—your new digital presence starts here
