Best Practice

Preparing for a successful Ofsted: Key steps and considerations

Inspection advice Ofsted Accountability Whole-school issues
In this practical article, school leader Clare Duffy offers useful advice for how schools can prepare for Ofsted inspection and manage the inspection visit effectively
Be bold: Ofsted inspectors are often open to different suggestions of subject and focus areas for your school inspection – if you can justify why - Adobe Stock

Since last year’s Big Listen consultation, Ofsted (2024) has made changes to its practices with more planned for September 2025.

There has been a promise from Ofsted to be more supportive and transparent with school leaders during inspections, seeking to minimise the anxiety so often caused by the process.

Chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver has promised “evolution not revolution” and that inspections will feel “collaborative”.

As this article was published, Ofsted unveiled its 12-week consultation over further changes planned for September 2025, including proposals for a new school report card to replace the current four judgement categories. See SecEd’s coverage of this here.

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