Governance Self-Evaluation Framework – Aligned to Ofsted’s Inspection Toolkit

This free Governance Self-Evaluation Framework is aligned to Ofsted’s updated Schools Inspection Toolkit and supports governing boards and trustees to evaluate the effectiveness of their work using an inspection-ready, evidence-informed approach.

Structured around key areas of governance responsibility, the framework enables governors and trustees to reflect on their understanding of role, quality of challenge, knowledge of school context, monitoring and assurance, workload and well-being and accountability for inclusion and vulnerable pupils. A graduated evaluation scale, from Urgent Improvement to Exceptional, supports honest self-review and professional discussion.

The framework is designed as a developmental tool, helping governance move beyond assurance to impact, and to articulate how it knows its oversight is effective.

Suitable for:

Governing boards and trustees

Chairs of governors / trust boards

Clerks and governance professionals

Headteachers preparing for inspection

Maintained schools, academies and trusts

This resource is intended as a starting point for governance self-evaluation and inspection readiness. Additional tools, evidence prompts and deep-dive materials are available via Potential Education’s TES shop.