This article is based on paragraphs 84 to 180 of the School Inspection Handbook (2023), and is about graded inspections (previously known as section 5 inspections). If you're due an ungraded inspection (previously known as section 8 inspections), see our other article.
Before the inspection
Starting with a pilot in autumn 2024, all inspections for a given week will be announced on a Monday, with inspections taking place in the following 2 days. If you're going to be inspected in that week, you'll know by Monday afternoon. You can find this in Ofsted's press release following its 'Big Listen' consultation.
We'll update this article with more details as they become available.
Notification
Ofsted will contact you by phone to announce the inspection, between 9.30am and 2pm on the Monday before the inspection. They'll ask to speak to the most senior member of staff available.
The number of pupils you have on
