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How Ofsted gathers evidence about pupil experience

Understand how Ofsted will learn about and evaluate pupil experiences of your school, including which pupil groups and topics they're likely to focus on.

Last reviewed on 7 February 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 3255
Contents
  1. Inspectors will collect first-hand evidence
  2. You must provide opportunities for inspectors to speak to pupils
  3. Individuals and groups that inspectors are likely to evaluate 
  4. Preventing inspectors from speaking to pupils about RSE

Inspectors will collect first-hand evidence

As part of their evaluation, inspectors will consider evidence from pupils alongside other evidence they collect. They'll:

  • Have formal and informal conversations with a wide range of pupils and in a range of situations (see more below)
  • Ask pupils about their experiences of teaching, learning and behaviour in your school
  • Speak to pupils with no other adults present unless exceptional circumstances apply (e.g. if a pupil has a specific communication need and requires an interpreter)
  • Where relevant and practical, talk to single-sex groups to encourage open and honest conversations on issues such as sexual harassment, online sexual abuse and sexual violence. For more information, see Ofsted guidance on inspectors talking to pupils

This is set out in paragraphs 266 to 269 of the School Inspection Handbook.

When and where will they speak to pupils?

At the start