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Ofsted reform in focus: your questions answered

In this blog, explore Ƶapp’s answers to governors' and trustees' key questions about Ofsted’s new inspection framework. Learn what’s changing, how governance will be evaluated, and what boards and clerks should expect when inspections begin in November.

Blog
23/10/2025

As Ofsted reshapes the way it inspects schools, many in the governance community are asking what these changes will mean in practice.

We’ve regularly engaged with Ofsted throughout the reform process and it’s encouraging to see governance now has greater prominence in the new framework.

That said, there’s still some way to go. Like everyone else, we’re waiting to see how inspections under the new framework will feel once they begin. Ofsted has a significant task ahead, not least delivering an ambitious training programme for inspectors across the country.

We know many of you are trying to make sense of what’s new and what it means for your schools and trusts. Change on this scale always brings questions, and already a few myths are circulating. We want to help separate fact from fiction and offer some reassurance about what’s ahead.

Recently, we hosted an event with Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector. This provided us with the opportunity to put your questions directly to Ofsted and to explore how the new approach will work. Below, we have outlined answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What’s happening, and when?

Earlier this year, Ofsted consulted on proposed changes to the way it inspects schools and other education providers. Following that consultation, a new has now been published and will come into force on 10 November.

Inspections will focus on six to eight evaluation areas; each graded on a five-point scale:

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement

New report cards will feature a narrative explaining why a specific grade was awarded. Ofsted hopes this will create a more detailed, informative picture of each school rather than a single headline judgement. Ofsted emphasises that there is no direct comparison between this new scale and the previous grading system (for example, ‘exceptional’ does not equate to ‘outstanding’).

To support a smooth transition, Ofsted will inspect only volunteer schools during November. The usual inspection schedule will resume from January 2026.

You can read more about the framework in our summary of changes to school inspection.

  • "Ofsted has a significant task ahead, not least delivering an ambitious training programme for inspectors across the country."

    What will inspections feel like?

    Governors and trustees rightly want to know whether inspections will feel different and whether the pressure that has burdened school leaders in the past will ease.

    Ofsted has emphasised that inspections should be collaborative. The new model focuses on professional dialogue between inspectors and school leaders; exploring what’s working well and where improvements can be made.

    Although inspections may inevitably carry a feeling of being tested, Ofsted aims for the process to feel more respectful, fair and constructive.

    Importantly, Ofsted explained to us that a ‘needs attention’ grade does not mean failure, but rather serves as an “MOT advisory”: highlighting areas where further attention might be needed to prevent future issues.

    All inspections will now be led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) to ensure consistency both in the inspection experience and in the judgements that result. A comprehensive training programme is underway to help every inspector embed empathy and professionalism in their approach.

    As part of its commitment to transparency, Ofsted will publish its inspector training materials, aiding everyone’s understanding of what to expect.

    What is a nominee and what do they do?

    A new aspect of the inspection process is the introduction of the nominee role. It’s hoped that this person can assist inspectors in understanding the school’s context and support the practical running of the inspection.

    Here’s what we know about nominees:

    • The role is optional. There’s no requirement to appoint a nominee and not having one will not disadvantage your school.
    • Schools can decide who the nominee should be — for example, a deputy head or another senior leader.
    • Ofsted encourages leadership teams to discuss the option of a nominee during the planning call before the inspection.
    • Training for nominees will be made freely available to all schools.

    Nominees have already been used successfully in further education and we’re hopeful that this new role might address the power imbalance that often exists in school inspection.

    • "The core principles of good governance haven’t changed. Stay strategic, understand your school’s priorities, and regularly assess your effectiveness. If you’re doing that, you are already in a strong position."

      How will governance be inspected?

      The new framework includes a comprehensive toolkit outlining the evidence inspectors will consider. One of the evaluation areas is leadership and governance.

      Inspectors will look at how governance contributes to the school’s effectiveness. They’ll explore whether those responsible for governance understand their roles, how they implement them and what impact their work has.

      Evidence will be gathered from a range of sources, such as meeting minutes and discussions with governors, trustees and school leaders. Inspectors will cross check what they see and hear to create a reliable picture of leadership and decision-making.

      Governors and trustees should expect their meeting with inspectors to focus on strategic understanding rather than operational details. For instance, if leaders have highlighted a focus on reading, inspectors will ask governing boards what they know about this priority and its impact, rather than details like which phonics scheme the school uses.

      Ofsted has advised boards to get to know he expected standard for leadership and governance. That’s sensible advice, but we want to stress that you don’t need to do extra preparation for inspection.

      The core principles of good governance haven’t changed. Stay strategic, understand your school’s priorities, and regularly assess your effectiveness. If you’re doing that, you are already in a strong position.

      If you would like some support or reassurance, eligible members can talk to one of our expert advisers. You might also consider self-evaluating your governance practice (we recommend you do this annually) or arranging an external review of governance if you haven’t had one in the last three years. But avoid adding to your workload solely for Ofsted’s sake – inspectors won’t expect you to.

      Who should meet with inspectors?

      From a governance perspective, this might depend on how things work in your school or trust.

      In multi academy trusts (MATs), accountability sits with the trust board, but local governors may also be involved depending on delegated responsibilities and where local knowledge sits. For instance, if a school is new to the trust, it could be beneficial for local governors familiar with it to participate in discussions with inspectors.

      The new framework also notes that governance professionals may meet with inspectors, especially where they play a key role in designing governance structures. In MATs, governance professionals are often best placed to explain how the scheme of delegation works in practice.

      Ofsted has clarified with us that governance professionals won’t be expected to meet inspectors alone: they will join meetings alongside governors or trustees.

      Sir Martyn Oliver emphasised during our recent event:

      “No one should ever feel apprehensive about talking to an inspector.”

      In most cases, inspectors will meet governors or trustees on the second day of the visit, once they have gathered a picture of the school. Meetings can be held remotely, which should make it easier for everyone to participate.

      What’s next?

      We’ll keep you updated as the new arrangements take effect. From 10 November, our Ofsted guidance, resources and training will be refreshed to fully align with the new framework.

      We’ll continue engaging with Ofsted, representing your experiences and advocating for governance throughout this process.

      We’d also love to hear from you. We’ll ask how these changes are being received in your school or trust. Your feedback helps us to shape the ongoing development of inspection to ensure it’s fair and effective for everyone involved.

      In summary

      We are hopeful that these reforms mark a significant step towards a more open and balanced inspection system. It’s too soon to know exactly what inspections will look like and how they will feel, but early signals are encouraging.

      For now, there’s no need to make any special preparations. Continue doing what good governance does best: stay strategic, stay informed and stay focused on supporting your school community and improving outcomes for pupils.

      Ƶapp were delighted to welcome His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, on 15 October for a special event on Ofsted’s new inspection approach launching in November. Watch the recording to hear him explain the key changes and their rationale:

      Michael Barton

      Michael Barton

      Head of Policy and Impact

      Michael spearheads Ƶapp's policy work, through which we represent our members; champion governance; and advocate for change in line with our policy positions. This includes engagement with external partners such as government, parliamentarians, trade unions and other colleagues.

      View Michael's full profile

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