Inspectors use deep dives to consider the 'intent, implementation and impact' of your curriculum as part of the 'quality of education' assessment in graded inspections.
See paragraphs 245 to 247 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.
Ofsted has emphasised that it doesn't make judgements on specific subjects, lessons or teachers. Instead, inspectors use deep dives to help them arrive at an overall 'quality of education' judgement.
Which subjects get a 'deep dive'?
During graded inspections in primary schools, Ofsted will:
- Always do a deep dive in:
- Reading
- 1 or more foundation subjects
- Often do a deep dive in maths
In secondary schools, Ofsted will usually focus on a sample of 4 to 6 subjects.
Ofsted no longer carries out deep dives during ungraded inspections.
See paragraph 245 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.
How deep dives work
Who's involved?
Subject leads in primary schools don’t need
