Ofsted 2025: What School Leaders Need to Know

The 2025 update to Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF) introduces significant changes to how inspections are conducted and reported. With routine inspections suspended until 10 November 2025, school leaders should take this opportunity to prepare strategically.

Key Dates for Ofsted 2025 / 26 Inspections

• 10 November 2025: Inspections resume for early years, state-funded schools, and FE & skills.
• January 2026: Inspections begin for ITE and non-association independent schools.
• Schools can volunteer for inspection before 1 December under the new framework.

New Report Card System

Single-word judgements are being replaced with a detailed report card covering:

• Safeguarding (judged as ‘met’ or ‘not met’)
• Inclusion
• Curriculum and teaching
• Achievement
• Attendance and behaviour
• Personal development and wellbeing
• Leadership and governance
• Early years (if applicable)
• Sixth form (if applicable)

Each area (except safeguarding) will be graded on a 5-point scale:

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

Each grade will be accompanied by a short narrative explanation.

No More Deep Dives in Ofsted 2025

To reduce workload for middle leaders, Ofsted will no longer conduct deep dives into specific subjects. Instead, inspectors will focus on your school’s context and improvement priorities, guided by the new school inspection toolkit.

Categories of Concern & Monitoring

Schools receiving ‘urgent improvement’ or a ‘not met’ safeguarding grade will be placed in a category of concern:

• Special measures: if leadership and governance is also ‘urgent improvement’
• Requires significant improvement: if leadership and governance is not ‘urgent improvement’

These schools will receive termly monitoring inspections focused on the areas needing improvement. Schools graded as ‘needs attention’ will also be monitored in the relevant areas.

Leadership & Governance Under the Microscope

Inspectors will assess how well governors and leaders:

• Understand their strategic roles
• Hold staff to account
• Ensure financial oversight
• Promote inclusion and wellbeing

JMC Education offers tailored governance reviews to help boards prepare for inspection and strengthen strategic impact. Find out more here

Additional Changes to Ofsted 2025

• Schools may nominate a senior staff member to support inspection planning and communication.
• Inspectors will receive mental health training and can pause inspections for wellbeing concerns.
• New data service: ‘Ofsted: explore an area’ launches in November.
• Inspections will now end by 5pm on the first day.

Prepare with Confidence: Book a Mock Ofsted Inspection

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the new framework is through a Mock Ofsted Inspection.

JMC Education offers a comprehensive mock inspection service led by experienced inspectors, including former HMIs and senior leaders. Find out more here

Our mock inspections help schools:

• Identify strengths and areas for development
• Build staff confidence and readiness
• Receive honest, constructive feedback
• Benchmark against the new framework

Learn more and book your inspection here: Mock Ofsted Inspections by JMC

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com