The inspection system

  • Frequency of Ofsted inspections
    Find out how often Ofsted inspects schools and get an idea of when your next inspection will be (including the current timings due to the pandemic).
  • How Ofsted inspects alternative provision
    Learn how Ofsted inspects pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative provision (AP) academies. Also find information covering inspection of off-site units and residential provision.
  • Inspection judgements: Ofsted grade descriptors
    Use our side-by-side comparison of Ofsted grade descriptors, which reflect the September 2022 School Inspection Handbook updates, to understand the criteria inspectors use to make their judgements.
  • Ofsted mythbuster
    Can headteachers join deep dives? Do schools need a certain level of staff absence to get a deferral? Read our mythbuster to get clarity on a range of questions about how Ofsted inspects your school.