OFSTED has revealed the five Basingstoke schools that all have 'outstanding' ratings from the education watchdog. 

The five schools, which are based in Popley, Oakridge, Old Basing and Sherfield-on-Loddon, are all graded 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

All five of the schools were handed their 'outstanding' ratings within the last five years, and have been adjudged to have wowed inspectors who visited.

The most recent school to get an 'outstanding' rating is Marnel Junior School, with inspectors providing a report on March 5.

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What is the Ofsted grading?

There is a 4-point grading scale used for inspection judgements:

  • Grade 1: outstanding
  • Grade 2: good
  • Grade 3: requires improvement
  • Grade 4: inadequate

What does a school have to do to be Outstanding?

To reach an 'outstanding' standard, schools have to receive an 'outstanding' grade for all the criteria, “meeting each and every good criterion”, securely and consistently, amongst others. Ofsted’s aim is to only name a school outstanding in a given area if they are truly performing exceptionally well and across the school.

The five best 'Outstanding' Basingstoke schools:

  • Marnel Junior School, Shetland Road, Popley Way, Basingstoke, RG24 9PT, Latest report: March 5, 2024
  • Marnel Community Infant School, Shetland Road, Popley Way, Basingstoke, RG24 9PT, Latest report: May 19, 2023
  • The Loddon School, Wildmoor Lane, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, RG27 0JD, Latest report: December 15, 2022
  • St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior School, Belle Vue Road, Old Basing, Basingstoke, RG24 7DE, Latest report: December 15, 2021
  • Dove House Academy, Sutton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 5SU, Latest report: October 16, 2019