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Frequency of Ofsted inspections

Find out how often Ofsted inspects schools under the 2025 framework and get an idea of when your next inspection will be.

Last reviewed on 2 October 2026See updates
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Contents
  1. Most schools will be inspected within 4 years of their last inspection
  2. Schools graded 'urgent improvement' will receive monitoring inspections once per term
  3. Schools graded as 'needs attention' in any evaluation area will also receive monitoring
  4. New schools will usually receive an inspection within 3 years of opening

Most schools will be inspected within 4 years of their last inspection

Schools will usually receive a routine inspection once every 4 years.

The statutory framework requires that all schools receive an inspection within 5 school years from the end of the school year in which the previous inspection took place. For example, if your last inspection was in April 2024, you'll likely be inspected by July 2028.

There are exceptions to this – see the sections below for details.

Ofsted may also inspect a school at any time if it has concerns.

You can find this information in Ofsted's inspection information guidance, under the heading 'when we inspect schools'. 

Schools graded 'urgent improvement' will receive monitoring inspections once per term

Inspection outcome Category of concern You've received 'urgent improvement'