Ofsted: latest updates

Stay up to date with all things Ofsted.

Last reviewed on 4 February 2025See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 33027
Contents
  1. 3 February 2025: Ofsted announces consultation on new inspection model
  2. 16 September 2024: Ofsted inspection handbook updated for 2024
  3. 3 September 2024: Ofsted publishes results of its 'Big Listen'
  4. 2 September 2024: Ofsted gets rid of single headline judgements
  5. 23 July 2024: new inspection handbooks to be published in September
  6. 8 May 2024: ungraded inspections will not receive 'deep dives' from September 2024
  7. 26 April 2024: schools with RAAC in some of their buildings can defer inspections this term
  8. 24 April 2024: Ofsted outlines its approach to artificial intelligence (AI)
  9. 7 February 2024: having RAAC in your buildings is sufficient grounds to defer an inspection
  10. 19 January 2024: Ofsted inspection handbook updated for 2024
  11. 5 January 2024: Ofsted inspections to begin from 22 January
  12. 2 January 2024: Ofsted delays start of spring term inspections
  13. Older updates: what you may have missed from 2023

3 February 2025: Ofsted announces consultation on new inspection model

The consultation is now open and Ofsted is asking parents, carers, professionals and learners for their views on the proposed changes to inspection.

The proposed changes include:

  • A new 'report card' system, replacing the current inspection criteria and judgement areas
  • An end to ungraded inspections, with all inspections being 'full' inspections for state-funded schools
  • Removing 'deep dives' to allow more focus on each school's individual context and improvement priorities
  • Education inspection toolkits that outline the focus areas for inspections, as well as how inspectors will assess and grade schools
  • Monitoring for schools 'causing concern' or with any evaluation area graded 'attention needed'

For a more in-depth look, read our summary of the consultation.

16 September 2024: Ofsted