What's new for 2026?
The Ofsted school inspection framework has been updated, with the new documents applying from 7 September 2026 onwards.
Ofsted will now publish an annual framework update every year, with changes coming into effect for September.
This is not a new framework, and the inspection criteria and process are mostly unchanged from the 2025 framework.
Minor changes include:
- A new requirement for your school to publish its inclusion strategy on the school website
- Clarifications around the process of learning walks during inspection
- Minor updates to your school's expectations around working with parents/carers and providing support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)
What is the similar schools report? Ofsted now publishes a new