Inspection

The latest news, analysis and opinion on inspections at schools in the UK and overseas, from updates to inspection frameworks and guidance on how to prepare

Friday

13th Feb 2026

Schools told to put report QR codes on their Ofsted banners
Ofsted says schools including the new QR codes in their promotional materials will provide ‘transparency’ and help to put inspection ratings into context
Ofsted has introduced QR codes linking to inspection report cards for individual schools

Thursday

12th Feb 2026

Where next in Scottish education’s search for a fairer system?
Long-held beliefs about the purpose and nature of school education are being challenged in Scotland and far beyond, say Christopher Chapman and Graham Donaldson
Where next for Scottish education in quest for a fairer system?

Wednesday

11th Feb 2026

Uneven Ofsted inspection outcomes show change is needed
An overview of the first inspections suggests a disparity is emerging between secondary and primary schools that needs addressing, says ASCL’s Andy Jordan
Uneven Ofsted inspection outcomes show change is needed
Ofsted ‘needs to urgently review’ inspections over grade disparity
Headteachers’ union experts raise concern about difference between primary and secondary ratings and watchdog’s approach to grading achievement
Ofsted is being urged to review how it assesses schools.
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Tuesday

10th Feb 2026

Ofsted: Heads question fairness of combining attendance and behaviour
Tes analysis shows most schools graded as ‘needs attention’ were only criticised over attendance and not behaviour
Pupils going to school
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Friday

6th Feb 2026

Independent group to monitor Ofsted’s impact on heads’ wellbeing
The NAHT launches advisory group, which will include the watchdog and DfE, amid concerns over new inspection framework
Paul Whiteman

Thursday

29th Jan 2026

Rewarding good behaviour key to success, hubs evaluation finds
The DfE’s behaviour hubs programme saw schools shifting towards restorative rather than zero-tolerance behaviour management policies, says final evaluation report
Rewarding good behaviour key to success, hubs evaluation finds

Wednesday

28th Jan 2026

Ofsted admits to ‘generic wording’ in new report cards
Concerns emerge after 12 out of 103 new inspection report cards show duplicated language, despite different inspectors visiting the schools in question
Ofsted admits to ‘generic wording’ in new report cards
‘No evidence’ of political bias at Bristol school, Ofsted says
Bristol Brunel Academy was inspected after the postponement of a visit by a Jewish MP raised concerns about political pressure
‘No evidence’ of political bias at Bristol school, Ofsted says

Monday

26th Jan 2026

Ofsted: Schools risk missing ‘expected standard’ over phone use
If a school fails to follow the government’s new guidance on mobile phones, it could fall short of inspectors’ requirements for attendance and behaviour, warns watchdog
A picture of a mobile phone ban sign

Friday

23rd Jan 2026

Leaders suffer ‘disturbing’ mistreatment, support service warns
School leaders are being set ‘undeliverable’ expectations, says Headrest, as it fields a big increase in calls
A picture of a chess board, with the white piece separated from the black pieces to indicate isolation
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Wednesday

21st Jan 2026

New Scottish chief inspector of education announced
A former primary headteacher will step into the role after the culmination of a long recruitment process
New Scottish chief inspector of education is announced