Primary, secondary and independent schools
Web Design for Schools
Web design for schools has to satisfy two audiences: inspectors and the Department for Education, who expect specific statutory information, and parents, who mostly want term dates, letters and news on their phones. A good school website keeps the required content complete and current while making everyday information quick to find. This guide explains what schools must publish and how to organise it.
What schools must publish online
DfE guidance lists what maintained schools must publish. It includes contact details, admission arrangements, a link to Ofsted reports and performance tables, curriculum information, the behaviour policy, information for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, pupil premium and PE and sport premium information, governance details, the charging and remissions policy, values and ethos, the complaints procedure, financial information and equality objectives. Secondary schools also publish information about their careers programme. Academies and free schools follow similar guidance based on their funding agreement.
Organising the statutory section
Put all statutory information in one section, labelled clearly, with each item on its own page or as a downloadable document. Date every document and set a calendar reminder to review the section at least once a year and whenever policies change. Inspectors and governors appreciate being able to find everything in one place.
What parents actually need
Most parent visits are for practical information: term dates, the latest letters, menus, clubs and uniform. Put these on the home page or one tap away. A news section with photos of school life helps prospective parents get a feel for the school.
Accessibility
Public sector accessibility regulations apply to schools in a limited way, mainly to content needed for essential administrative functions, but accessible design benefits all families. Use readable text, good contrast, descriptive links and documents that work with screen readers. Publish an accessibility statement.
School website checklist
- Statutory information section complete and dated
- Annual review reminder set
- Term dates, letters and menus one tap from the home page
- Ofsted report and performance table links
- SEND information and contacts
- Accessibility statement
Good to know
Your questions, answered.
What happens if a school website is missing statutory information?+
Inspectors and the DfE may note it, and parents can't find information they're entitled to. A regular review keeps the section complete.
Do academies have to publish the same information?+
Academies and free schools have their own DfE guidance, which overlaps with the maintained schools list but follows their funding agreement.
Can school staff update the website themselves?+
They should be able to. Choose a system that lets office staff upload letters and news without help.
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