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

Thursday

9th Apr 2026

Why Ofsted’s ‘needs attention’ grade points to progress not failure
The sector needs to change how it views Ofsted grades under the new system, rather than falling into the old trap of success or failure, argues MAT leader Cathie Paine
Cathie Paine

Friday

27th Mar 2026

Ofsted to inspect early years providers more often
Early education minister’s letter to chief inspector outlines new requirements for Ofsted, including the need to inspect every four years
Early years providers

Friday

20th Mar 2026

Disadvantaged schools more likely to be graded down on achievement
Heads in deprived areas warn that grades awarded by Ofsted for its new achievement category are ‘demoralising’ and fail to take their challenging circumstances into account
A person walking over a gap in the pavement
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Friday

13th Mar 2026

Ofsted recruits unpaid inspectors as part of pilot scheme
Inspectors recruited under the scheme will not get an inspection fee, with Ofsted instead contributing to their employers’ costs

Ofsted recruiting new unpaid inspectors
Ofsted chief will ‘not downplay’ disadvantaged schools’ outcomes
Analysis of the watchdog’s report card system has shown that disadvantaged schools may be ‘unfairly penalised’
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted chief inspector

Wednesday

11th Mar 2026

Ofsted rejects 9 in 10 complaints about schools
The vast majority of complaints that qualified for Ofsted investigation last year did not lead to an immediate inspection, watchdog says
Ofsted rejected nine in 10 complaints against schools in 2024-25

Friday

6th Mar 2026

Ofsted rejects 1 in 5 inspection deferral requests
Watchdog figures show 621 school inspections were deferred in 2024-25 and a further 37 were paused
Ofsted has approval all pause requests but rejected one in five deferral requests from schools.

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
ÌÇÐÄVlog analysis shows most schools graded as ‘needs attention’ were only criticised over attendance and not behaviour
Pupils going to school
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