Section 8 inspections for 'good' and 'outstanding' schools
Find out what happens during a section 8 inspection under the 2019 Ofsted framework, and what your role is as a governor.
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Extended timings for the first inspection following COVID-19
Due to a backlog of inspections caused by coronavirus, Ofsted has extended its inspection intervals for the first inspection after the pandemic.
Normally, your school would receive an inspection under section 8 approximately every 4 years - but this period will be extended by up to 6 terms for the first inspection after the pandemic.
For subsequent inspections, if your school continues to be 'good' or 'outstanding', it will receive a section 8 inspection approximately 4 years later.
Read more about Ofsted changes for September.
How formerly exempt 'outstanding' schools are inspected
Following the removal of the 'outstanding' exemption, Ofsted will begin carrying out inspections of 'outstanding' schools when routine inspections restart in autumn 2021.
Your school will now receive a section 8 inspection before 1 August 2026 if:
(If your school
Read next
Also in 'The inspection framework'
- 2019 Ofsted inspection framework: summary of changes Updated
- 2019 Ofsted inspection framework: what it means for your school Updated
- How Ofsted inspects 'behaviour and attitudes'
- How Ofsted inspects governance
- How Ofsted inspects 'leadership and management'
- How Ofsted inspects 'personal development'