Across Lancashire, seven mainstream schools and nurseries received new Ofsted reports in Janaury 2026.
However the educational watchdog has changed the way in which it judges schools, starting with inspections that took place in November last year.
Educational establishments are no longer be judged by whether their provision is ‘inadequate’, ‘requires improvement’, ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, instead each category is colour coded, starting with red (’Urgent improvement’), followed by orange (’Needs attention’), light green (’Expected standard’), dark green (’Strong standard’), and blue (’Exemplary’).
The following seven Lancashire schools and nurseries are amongst the first to receive these new report cards.
So take a look at how they did below, including their classifications, highlights and areas that require improvement...
5. St Teresa's Catholic Primary School, Preston
Report published Jan 22 following an inspection on Nov 23. Four categories rated 'expected standard' three 'needs attention'. Highlights: warm and caring school; pupils behave well; exciting and purposeful enrichment opportunities. Improvements needed: checks on learning; ensure activities consistently match school’s curriculum; complete recent revisions to the early years curriculum. Previous inspection: Good. | Google Maps
6. Pendle Primary Academy
Report published Jan 22 following an inspection on Nov 25. All categories rated 'expected standard'. Highlights: happy school; pupils achieve & behave well; rich set of extra-curricular experiences. Improvements needed: consistently address errors in pupils' handwriting; valuate the impact of its pupil premium strategy. Previous inspection: Good. | Google Maps
7. Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School, Hyndburn
Report published Jan 27 following an inspection on Nov 25. Two categories rated 'strong standard', four 'expected standard'. Highlights: welcoming school; pupils' individuality is celebrated; carefully designed subject curriculums are typically taught well. Improvements needed: attendance; assessment strategies. Previous inspection: Good. | Google Maps
8. Little Stars Nursery, Accrington
Report published Jan 28 following an inspection on Nov 21. All categories rated 'expected standard'. Highlights: aspirational curriculum; range of exciting experiences capture children's interests and help them to achieve in all areas of learning; staff relationships with children/families. Improvements needed: target training for staff more precisely to address minor inconsistencies in teaching. Previous inspection: Inadequate. | Google Maps