Questions Ofsted might ask you based on your subject

Get a handle on what Ofsted could ask you and your colleagues about a subject during a graded inspection 'deep dive'. See what inspectors could ask about art, computing, English, geography, history, maths, modern foreign languages, PE, PSHE, and science.

Last reviewed on 13 November 2024See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 47558
Contents
  1. Which subjects get a deep dive?
  2. How deep dives work
  3. How to use our questions
  4. Examples of questions inspectors might ask subject leads 
  5. Differences between deep dives in primary and secondary schools
  6. How to prepare
  7. Role-specific questions

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.

However, inspectors might still ask to speak to subject leaders if their subject was identified as an area for improvement. This will be decided during the initial