Marking mythbuster

Separate fact from fiction around marking and reduce your staff's workload. Learn the truth about what Ofsted expects to see, and understand what effective marking looks like.

Last reviewed on 8 October 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 33951

 

Ofsted's expectations

MythFact
Ofsted expects to see a certain frequency of marking in booksOfsted doesn't expect to see any specific frequency, type or volume of marking and feedback
Ofsted expects teachers to record verbal feedback on pupils’ workWhile inspectors will consider how written and oral feedback is used to promote learning, Ofsted doesn't expect to see written records of oral feedback provided to pupils by teachers
Inspectors will look at the quality of marking when carrying out work scrutiniesThe School Inspection Handbook states that inspectors won't use work scrutinies to evaluate teachers' marking
Teachers are expected to deep mark pupils’ workDeep marking has not been set as a requirement by Ofsted. Part 1 of the Teachers' Standards states that teachers must “give pupils regular feedback, both orally and through accurate marking, and encourage pupils to respond to the feedback”

Myth Fact Schools are required to have a marking policy Schools are not required to have a marking policy.