How Ofsted inspects governance

Learn how Ofsted inspects governance under the inspection framework, and what your role is on inspection day.

Last reviewed on 24 March 2023
See updates
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 35415
Contents
  1. Governance is inspected as part of ‘leadership and management’
  2. What inspectors are looking for
  3. Evidence inspectors will use
  4. Governors’ role on inspection day
  5. How governance is inspected if you’re in a MAT
  6. Grade descriptors

Governance is inspected as part of ‘leadership and management’

Ofsted inspectors assess governance as part of the overall judgement on ‘leadership and management’.

There isn’t a separate judgement or grading for governance, but inspectors will include a section on governance in the inspection report.

What inspectors are looking for

Understand their role and carry it out effectively Make sure the school has a clear vision, ethos, and strategic direction Make sure resources are well managed Hold executive leaders (the headteacher or CEO, for example) to account for educational performance and the performance management of staff Oversee the financial performance of the school, and make sure money is well spent (including the pupil premium) Hold leaders to account for the quality of education or training Make sure the provider fulfils its statutory duties (like the ones placed on schools by the Equality Act 2010, the 'Prevent' strategy or Keeping