How Ofsted inspects 'behaviour and attitudes'

Learn how Ofsted inspects 'behaviour and attitudes' in a graded inspection under the Ofsted inspection framework. This judgement covers behaviour, attendance, exclusion and attitudes to learning.

Updated
on 27 September 2024
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 38283
Contents
  1. What inspectors are looking for
  2. What you need to prepare 
  3. How inspectors will gather evidence 
  4. Grade descriptors 

This article focuses on how the 'behaviour and attitudes' judgement is inspected in a graded inspection (formerly known as a 'section 5' inspection).

Ofsted has removed the 'overall effectiveness' judgement area during graded inspections, but you'll still receive a rating for 'behaviour and attitudes'.

If your next inspection is going to be an ungraded inspection (formerly known as a 'section 8' inspection), see how Ofsted will inspect 'behaviour and attitudes' in our article on ungraded inspections for 'good' and 'outstanding' schools.

What inspectors are looking for

A calm and orderly environment in the school and classroom Clear routines and behaviour expectations across all aspects of school life  A strong focus on attendance and punctuality Clear and effective behaviour and attendance policies that all staff apply