The West Midlands schools handed new 'exceptional' ratings as Ofsted blown away

NewsMidlands NewsEducationOfsted recently overhauled its grading system15:20, 04 Aug 2026A number of West Midlands schools have broken up for the summer with a top new rating from Ofsted.‌The education watchdog recently overhauled its inspection system and now hands out newly-named grades across a range of areas.‌The previous top rating of 'outstanding' is now known as 'exceptional'.‌READ MORE: DWP cancelling driving licences of benefit claimants from October under tough ruleGet breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsAppAnd schools are now rated across a range of areas rather than awarded a single overall grade.‌Ofsted hopes this will give parents a fuller picture of what a school is really like.Exceptional grades are a rare achievement.‌They have only been awarded to a handful of schools in