Ofsted 'deep dives': English

Ofsted inspectors use subject 'deep dives' to inspect your curriculum. They use them to consider the 'intent, implementation and impact' of your curriculum as part of the 'quality of education' assessment.

See paragraphs 215 to 217 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.

Ofsted has emphasised that it does not make judgements on specific subjects, lessons or teachers. Its inspectors use deep dives to help them arrive at an overall 'quality of education' judgement.

Will we get a 'deep dive' in English?

Ofsted might do an English deep dive.

In secondary schools, Ofsted will usually focus on a sample of 4 to 6 subjects. English could be 1 of these subjects.

See paragraph 216 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.

How deep dives work

Who's involved?

Your senior leadership team (SLT), curriculum leads, subject leads, teachers and pupils.

If your subject lead isn't available, inspectors may put their questions to your headteacher or other senior leader instead.