Ofsted inspection
A guide to Ofsted inspection
What governing boards can expect from inspection, what inspectors look for and steps to take following an inspection.
Guidance
04/11/2025
Ofsted inspection provides independent, external evaluation and identifies what needs to improve for provision to meet expected standards or better support the continuous improvement and effective running of the school.
This guide has been developed to help governing boards:
- know what to expect from an Ofsted inspection
- understand what inspectors look at and some of the evidence they consult
- take steps following inspection to support school improvement
Member-only content
Want to read this?
Become a member
NGA members get exclusive access to hundreds of practical resources including guidance, checklists and planners.
We’re here to support you at every stage of your governance journey with expert advice, training, events, and much more.
Already a member?
Related content
-
Guidance
![someone lookin at overseeing vision reports]()
-
Tools & templates
![]()
-
Guidance
![people looking at documents and making notes during a meeting]()
-
Guidance
![school-environment pupils learning outside on grass]()
-
Guidance
![school-environment coat hangers filled with children's bags and coats]()
-
Tools & templates
![tools-resources spread and organised documents being checked over]()
-
Tools & templates
![training six people looking same direction]()
-
Guidance
![Pupils-learning teaching secondary school class]()
-
Guidance
![school-environment group of pupils out on a trip]()
-
Guidance
![Pupils-learning young pupils running out of their school gates]()
-
Guidance
![training three woman in discussion]()
-
Guidance
![Pupils-learning pupil asking a question in class]()
-
Guidance
![Pupils-learning teaching secondary school class]()
-
Guidance
![Pupils-learning pupil writing at front of the class]()
-
Guidance
![Pupils-learning in class]()
-
E-learning
![training woman standing with paper in blurred background]()
-
Training & development
![disciplinary meeting at a school]()
Bespoke for your board(s)Ofsted inspectionNavigating Ofsted – what governors and trustees need to know
-
Blog
![Pupils-learning in class]()
Updated: 05/11/2025Pupils & learningA New Curriculum for Schools: Key Takeaways from the Francis Review
-
Blog
![]()
-
Events & networks
![]()
15/10/202516:30 - 18:00ZoomOfsted inspectionNew approach to Ofsted inspections with Sir Martyn Oliver
-
Blog
![]()
Updated: 16/10/2025Ofsted inspectionThree key topics governors and trustees are talking about this term
-
News
![]()
-
Blog
![]()
-
News
![]()
Updated: 10/07/2025Latest updatesAnnual Governance Survey 2025: School Finances and SEND System at Breaking Point
-
Blog
![]()
-
Governing Matters
![]()
-
Webinar
![]()
Updated: 04/02/2025Ofsted inspectionNavigating the Culture of Ofsted: Empowering Governance Amidst Change
-
News
![someone lookin at overseeing vision reports]()
-
Blog
![]()
-
News
![school-environment empty chairs and desks]()
Updated: 28/10/2024Ofsted inspectionNew NGA Report Highlights Pathways to Strengthen Multi-Academy Trusts for the Future
-
Blog
![man with his hands clenched together sitting at a meeting]()
Updated: 18/09/2024Ofsted inspectionOfsted’s New Inspection Handbook: What You Need to Know and What it Means
-
Blog
![]()
