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Your guide to Ofsted monitoring inspections

Find out the circumstances for when a school is eligible for monitoring inspections, how often they'll happen and the process for moving out of a 'category of concern'. Plus, see a step-by-step guide for every type of monitoring inspection in the 2025 framework.

Last reviewed on 13 November 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 52394
Contents
  1. Monitoring inspections are triggered by a full inspection outcome
  2. First, you'll receive an introductory monitoring programme call
  3. If your school is in a category of concern
  4. If your school is graded 'needs attention' 
  5. If you were placed in a category of concern before November 2025
  6. Urgent 'focused inspections' 

Monitoring inspections are triggered by a full inspection outcome

Your school will receive a monitoring inspection if you're graded below the 'expected standard' in 1 or more evaluation area. The type and frequency of inspection will depend on your outcome.

We explain how monitoring will work for each outcome in the sections below.

Some outcomes mean your school will be placed into a category of concern (select this link to view the flowchart below in an accessible format):

Ofsted flowchart categories of concern

This flowchart is set out in Ofsted's school monitoring operating guide (see the section on Meeting standards and determining grades, then go down to 'Placing a school in a category of concern').

If you receive a grade of 'needs attention' in any evaluation area you won't be placed in a category of concern, but will still receive monitoring visits (more on these below).

You may also be eligible for monitoring inspections due to your