The Governors Audit for Schools (2026/27) is an editable audit that helps governing boards and trustees evaluate, challenge and assure the school's work across the evaluation areas of Ofsted's school inspection toolkit, for inspections from September 2026.
2026/27 edition. Updated from our November 2025 version to the current toolkit, the five-point scale and the met or not met judgement for safeguarding.
What's inside
- Guidance on gathering good evidence and writing evaluative, not descriptive, commentary, with examples of strong and weak actions
- The five-point scale explained: exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention and urgent improvement
- Audit sections on strategic leadership and governance, safeguarding oversight, curriculum and teaching and achievement, inclusion, and attendance and behaviour
- A recommended review schedule for the board and its committees
Who it's for
Chairs of governors, clerks, trustees, local governing bodies, headteachers working with their board and trust governance teams.
Editable Word document, 13 pages. Adapt it to your own board and check your judgements against the current toolkit on GOV.UK.
Also included in the Ofsted Audit Tools Pack, with audits for every evaluation area.
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