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In the news: Ofsted inspection framework updated for 2026/27 academic year

Ofsted has published an updated inspection framework. Here are the main changes you need to be aware of, which apply from September 2026.

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on 15 June 2026
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The updates to Ofsted's guidance on school inspection don’t require significant changes to what your school is currently doing.

We’re updating our articles on school inspection across our site and plan to have these ready before the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Select ‘save for later’ at the top of any Ofsted-related article and we’ll notify you when it’s ready.

Key changes include:

Safeguarding to take into account your board’s role

The evaluation of safeguarding considers whether leaders take an effective, whole-school approach to safeguarding. From September 2026, Ofsted has clarified that 'leaders' includes those responsible for governance. 

This doesn't change your existing responsibilities for safeguarding. 

No longer a requirement to meet the governance professional in academy trusts

It will help clarify points about the governance structure It will

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