Ofsted

The latest news and analysis on the schools inspectorate in England, including inspection and curriculum policy and reports

Monday

16th Feb 2026

What schools need to understand about foundational knowledge
The renewed Ofsted framework refers to foundational knowledge. What is it, and how can schools demonstrate that they are providing it?
Tree support

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

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: We ‘could do more’ on early years safeguarding
MPs question senior Ofsted official on whether the safeguarding system in the early years is fit for purpose
Small child in a bubble

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

Wednesday

4th Feb 2026

School phone ban backed by Lords in government defeat
The House of Lords votes in favour of a statutory ban on phones in schools, despite the government strengthening its guidance on this issue last month
A female secondary school student using a mobile phone

Monday

2nd Feb 2026

Fears over head and Sendco workload in new Ofsted inspections
Some senior leaders who have experienced the new report-card inspections have described them as ‘brutal’, ASCL tells schools’ conference
Fears have been raised about new Ofsted inspections affecting school leaders' workload and wellbeing
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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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