This briefing paper, produced by the House of Commons Library,
gives answers to some common questions on Ofsted inspections of
state-funded schools in England. It looks at the practicalities
of inspection and the implications of Ofsted gradings. It also
provides information on current topical issues in inspection.
Scope of briefing
This briefing provides background on Ofsted inspections of
state-funded schools in England, and looks at recent
developments in school inspection. It covers issues such as:
- The frequency of Ofsted inspections
- The potential outcomes for schools after inspections
- The types of evidence inspectors look at as part of the
inspection process
- Recent changes to the way Ofsted carries out its duties
- Current issues in inspection
It mostly covers England. Separate school inspection
arrangements apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Ofsted’s remit
Ofsted inspects all maintained and academy schools in England,
and around half of independent schools, in line with the
relevant inspection framework. It also inspects other services,
including childcare, social care and further education.
A new inspection framework from September 2019
Ofsted introduced a new Education Inspection Framework in
September 2019. The new framework has a greater focus on the
quality and breadth of the curriculum.
Consequences of inspections for schools
Currently, there are four overall judgements that Ofsted can
reach about schools: Outstanding; Good; Requires Improvement;
and Inadequate. Inadequate is further subdivided into two
categories, serious weaknesses or requiring special measures.
In line with the Education and Adoption Act
2016, an overall grading of inadequate for a
maintained school triggers the mandatory issue of an academy
order.
Proposals to remove outstanding schools’ exemption from routine
inspection
Currently, mainstream schools judged outstanding at their last
full inspection are exempt from further routine inspection.
This means that some outstanding schools have not been
inspected for considerable periods; the Department for
Education (DfE) has said that around 1,000 exempt schools have
not been inspected for a decade or longer. Her Majesty’s Chief
Inspector, Amanda Spielman, has called for the exemption to be
removed. In January 2020, the DfE launched a consultation on
removing the exemption. This will close on 24 February 2020.
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