Inspection
Ofsted inspects maintained schools and academies in England under its renewed education inspection framework, which replaced the 2019 framework in November 2025. A full inspection now ends in a report card: each evaluation area is graded exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention or urgent improvement, and safeguarding is reported as met or not met. Ofsted’s school inspection toolkit and operating guides were revised for September 2026; articles written before November 2025 describe the old framework.
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One HeadteacherChat member describes a graded inspection conducted with professionalism and compassion, though leaders note inconsistent experiences.
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Senior leaders must ensure early SEND identification follows the graduated response and is reflected in the annual SEN information report.
What Do You Think of the New Ofsted Report Cards?
Ofsted's new report card system replaces single-word judgements with multiple strands, yet many leaders view it as a superficial rebrand.
Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook. What you need to know about the September 2024 updates.
September 2024 updates remove overall effectiveness grades and judgement logos, while refining monitoring criteria and Single Central Record clarity.
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