Landmark NHS league tables launched to drive up standards

Source: DHSC, 9 September 2025

Patients will get better care and value from record investment in the NHS thanks to a pioneering new system of league tables being rolled out across England today.

Every trust in England will be ranked quarterly against clear, consistent standards – from urgent and emergency care to elective operations and mental health services.

From next year, a new wave of Foundation Trusts will be introduced, giving the best-performing trusts more freedom to shape services around local needs – a key pillar of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan. Meanwhile, trusts facing the greatest challenges will receive enhanced support to drive improvement, with senior leaders held accountable through performance-linked pay. The best NHS leaders will be offered higher pay to take on the toughest jobs, sending them into challenged services and turning them around.