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Deferring and pausing Ofsted inspections: guidance

You can ask for an Ofsted inspection to be deferred, if you have concerns about your school's circumstances. Pausing an inspection that's already started might also be necessary, to protect your or your staff's wellbeing. Find out when and how you can make a request for a deferral or a pause.

Last reviewed on 6 October 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 49408
Contents
  1. What's the difference between a deferral and a pause?
  2. When you can request a deferral
  3. Make deferral requests as soon as possible
  4. When you can request a pause
  5. How to request a pause

In "exceptional circumstances" you can request a deferral of an Ofsted inspection, or an inspection that's already started can be paused. The procedure is set out in Ofsted's guidance on deferring, pausing and gathering additional evidence.

This hasn't changed under the 2025 inspection framework.

What's the difference between a deferral and a pause?

Deferring is when an inspection is rescheduled, because it can't go ahead on the planned date(s). You can request a deferral during the notification call or at the earliest opportunity afterwards, before inspectors arrive on site. 

Read more about the circumstances when Ofsted will consider granting a deferral below.

Read more about when and