Ofsted

School leaders warn of possible industrial action over Ofsted plans

Nearly 2,000 school leaders have indicated they would support industrial action over Ofsted’s proposed new inspection framework, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has found. A snap poll during an online meeting of members found 89% in favour of the union exploring action if the changes go ahead. The…

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School leaders reject revised Ofsted inspection plan, poll shows

Ofsted’s revised approach to school inspection has been overwhelmingly rejected by school leaders, according to a new poll conducted by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). The snap survey, which was conducted yesterday (10 September), drew more than 1,400 responses overnight. It found that 91% of leaders opposed the…

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Ofsted to debut new grading scale as part of inspection overhaul

Ofsted has confirmed that parents will receive new-look inspection report cards from November as part of a wide-ranging reform of education inspections. The changes include a new five-point grading scale with the highest level, “exceptional”, introduced to recognise best practice. The lowest grade will be renamed “urgent improvement”, with other…

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MPs launch inquiry into early years reforms and sector workforce

The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry into the early years sector, focusing on workforce sustainability, access to services, and the quality of outcomes for young children. The cross-party group of MPs will examine the impact of recent changes to childcare entitlements and assess whether government reforms are supporting…

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Ofsted outlines measures for phased introduction of renewed inspection framework

Ofsted has announced a series of measures to ensure a steady introduction of inspections under its renewed inspection framework, due to be rolled out in November. Fewer inspections will take place initially, with the most senior and experienced inspectors leading early visits. These will be supported by Ofsted’s in-house teams,…

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Ofsted launches engagement programme ahead of November inspections

Ofsted has announced it will run a programme of webinars and regional events from September to help education providers prepare for inspections under its renewed framework, which comes into effect in November. The sector engagement programme will begin when Ofsted publishes its final set of inspection reforms in September. The…

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Step by Step service first of kind to gain Ofsted accreditation

Youth charity Step by Step has announced that its supported lodgings scheme has become the first service of its kind in the UK to receive Ofsted accreditation. The milestone follows the charity’s growth into the country’s largest provider of supported lodgings, accommodating and supporting hundreds of young people each year. …

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Milestone Academy rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for fourth time

Leigh Academies Trust has revealed that Leigh Academy Milestone has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for the fourth consecutive time. The latest inspection, carried out on 3 and 4 June 2025, praised the Swanley-based school for the “highest quality” of education and its “transformative” impact on pupils. Inspectors said: “Pupils’…

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Ofsted to restructure inspection teams in bid to boost consistency

Ofsted has announced changes to its school and further education inspection teams aimed at improving consistency, following feedback from its Big Listen exercise and a consultation on inspection reform. From November 2025, all school and further education inspections will be led by a serving His Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) or an…

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DfE appoints Dame Christine Gilbert as next Ofsted chair

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced the appointment of Dame Christine Gilbert as the next chair of Ofsted yesterday (11 June).  Gilbert, who is a former chief inspector and author of the Independent Learning Review for Ofsted, will take up the post on 1 September.  She will replace Sir…

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