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Ofsted 'summary evaluations' of trusts: explainer

Summary evaluations are Ofsted's approach to gathering its findings about a trust. Find out what happens at each stage of the process, what Ofsted will expect of you and your leadership team, and what inspectors are likely to consider.

Last reviewed on 15 January 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 44179
Contents
  1. Summary evaluations: in a nutshell
  2. Who'll receive one?
  3. Stage 1: batched inspections
  4. Stage 2: the summary evaluation
  5. Areas inspectors are likely to explore
  6. Curriculum and quality of education at schools in your trust
  7. Outcomes of the summary evaluation

Summary evaluations: in a nutshell

Summary evaluations are how Ofsted evaluates the quality of education provided by a trust, and leaders’ contributions to this. There are 2 stages to the process:

  • Stage 1: batched inspections, where Ofsted carries out normal inspections in a number of a trust's academies, usually over a period of up to 2 terms
  • Stage 2: summary evaluation, where over a week inspectors meet trust leaders and discuss the findings of the individual inspections from stage 1 and overall quality of education across the trust. Inspectors will also meet trustees 

Ofsted has been clear that summary evaluations are not the same as inspections, and they're carried out with the consent and co-operation of the trust. They don't result in graded judgements – instead, inspectors make judgements on strengths and weaknesses in 'narrative form'. 

Give the trust helpful recommendations on aspects of provision that could be improved Recognise where the trust is having a positive impact on