How Ofsted inspects sixth forms

Understand how Ofsted will inspect your school's sixth-form provision and know what evidence inspectors will look for.

Last reviewed on 26 September 2024See updates
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Contents
  1. What inspectors will consider
  2. How inspectors will gather evidence
  3. Grade descriptors

As a governing board, you won't be inspected under Ofsted's judgement of your school's sixth-form provision. Find out how Ofsted inspects governance.

You don't need to know the information in this article in great detail, but understanding the basics could help you hold your school leaders to account and feel more confident during an Ofsted inspection.

Make sure you stay Ofsted-ready as a governor, including by being prepared for questions inspectors might ask you.

This article is based on paragraphs 456 to 460 of the School Inspection Handbook

What inspectors will consider

Ofsted inspectors must grade the quality of your school's sixth-form provision and write a section in their report on its effectiveness (paragraph 456).

Secondary schools' requirement to teach RSE includes any sixth-form provision, so your sixth form will also form part Ofsted's evaluation of RSE in your school (paragraph 341).

The extent to which staff have high expectations for the attainment and progress of all students (including the