LeadersSafeguardingCPDGovernorHubKeyGPT
Training Hub

Section 48 inspections

If your school has a designated religious character, you'll receive section 48 inspections on top of standard Ofsted inspections. Be clear on what these inspections are and how they work, so you can be confident in what to expect.

Last reviewed on 19 March 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 46126
Contents
  1. What is a section 48 inspection?
  2. Your governing board is responsible for organising inspections
  3. You'll usually be inspected every 3 to 5 years
  4. Check the frameworks and processes for your religious authority

What is a section 48 inspection?

If your school is designated as having a religious character, it will have its denominational education and collective worship inspected under section 48 of the Education Act 2005.

These are conducted in addition to Ofsted inspections. They're carried out by your school's religious inspectorate rather than Ofsted, but Ofsted inspectors will check that you are meeting your statutory duties to undergo section 48 inspections.

This is set out in the School inspection operating guide for inspectors, under 'Specific contexts to consider'.

Your governing board is responsible for organising inspections

Your board's job is to:

  • Appoint the inspecting body, and
  • Make sure inspections happen within the correct time frame for your school (see the sections below)

The inspectors will organise all the practical bits, like when exactly the visits will happen.

Foundation governors in a voluntary