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

Monday

22nd Dec 2025

Ofsted inspectors to use Word documents for recording evidence
The watchdog will temporarily use Microsoft Word documents to gather inspection evidence as electronic system continues to malfunction
Word
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Friday

12th Dec 2025

Ofsted and DfE warned of grade shift in new inspections
Inspectorate and government warned they need to mitigate against risk that the move to new inspection framework will ‘inadvertently’ look like a decline in standards
Ofsted and DfE warned of grade shift in new inspections
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Thursday

11th Dec 2025

Ofsted warns against ‘inflexible’ school rules for pupils with SEND
Too many students with SEND are leaving the school system because of ‘missed opportunities’ to identify their needs early on, says watchdog’s report
Ofsted and the CQC have published a report into children with SEND who are not in school.

Monday

8th Dec 2025

Let’s not repeat old habits with new Ofsted labels
A trust CEO outlines how his leaders will be held against new Ofsted outcomes – but also why labels are only information, not permanent judgements
Ofsted gold star

Tuesday

2nd Dec 2025

Ofsted chief’s warning over ‘scandal’ of children missing education
Sir Martyn Oliver hopes the watchdog’s new inspection framework will result in a ‘system-wide behaviour shift on inclusion’
Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver

Thursday

27th Nov 2025

Ofsted SEND inspections: key failings revealed
Tes analysis highlights the main findings in SEND inspection reports for the areas found to have systemic or widespread failings this year
A Tes analysis has highlighted recurring themes in area SEND reports given the lowest ratings.

Wednesday

26th Nov 2025

Ofsted pauses NPQ inspections
Watchdog stops routine inspections of national professional qualifications for 2025-26, at education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s request
Ofsted pauses NPQ inspections

Tuesday

25th Nov 2025

Heads’ union loses appeal against Ofsted ruling
The NAHT had appealed against a decision not to grant a judicial review into the launch of new Ofsted school inspections
The NAHT are to appeal a decision to turn down their bid for a judicial review against the way Ofsted launched its new inspections.
Exclusive
Ofsted’s new inspections cause ‘greater stress’, warn heads
But schools taking part in the first inspections under the new report-card system also report that the process feels more collaborative
ASCL has raised concerns after feedback from the first set of volunteer inspections.

Wednesday

19th Nov 2025

Ofsted school inspection window ‘could be tightened’
Teacher and leader wellbeing is ‘built into every aspect’ of the new approach to inspection, says chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver
School inspection window 'could be tightened'

Tuesday

18th Nov 2025

COBIS accreditation scheme approved in Saudi Arabia
Move welcomed by UK’s Department for Business and Trade as a positive step in the country’s international education expansion strategy
Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Friday

7th Nov 2025

‘Major concerns’ over Ofsted data changes
Schools that volunteered to be first for new inspections should be allowed to withdraw because of changes announced by Ofsted just days before the new system begins, say heads’ leaders
Ofsted has been criticised for announcing late changes to how its inspectors will use data
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