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Ofsted inspection

Navigating Ofsted inspection: a tool for governing boards

Find out what to expect from inspection and how to demonstrate effective governance through the course of routine board business.

Tools & templates
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. Ofsted inspect governance under the ‘leadership and governance’ evaluation area.

There is no extra preparation boards need to do for inspection - boards should assure themselves that they are meeting the core principles of good governance. 

Our Navigating Ofsted tool is designed to help boards build confidence ahead of inspection. It sets out how to demonstrate effective governance through the course of routine board business.

The tool covers seven areas:

  1. Governing board self-evaluation
  2. Vision and strategy
  3. School culture
  4. Quality of education
  5. Stakeholder engagement
  6. Support and provision for pupils experiencing disadvantage
  7. Statutory duties

Each area includes a range of NGA resources that boards can use to review and, where opportunities are identified, improve practice. We’ve also included examples of questions inspectors may ask.

Two versions of the tool are available:

  • for single schools (maintained schools and single academy trusts)
  • for multi academy trusts (MATs)

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