Ofsted Mock Pre Registration Inspection for Independent schools

Pre Registration Inspection of Independent Schools – Open with confidence

Before the DfE can register a new independent school, it will usually commission Ofsted to conduct a pre registration inspection. The purpose is to report whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Independent School Standards (ISS) (and any applicable national minimum standards) when it opens; this Ofsted advice informs the DfE’s registration decision.

At JMC Education, we run a rigorous, supportive mock pre‑registration inspection that mirrors Ofsted’s approach, so your team, premises, policies and evidence trail are fully ready for the real thing.

Explore our wider registration services for independent schools here

Why the Pre Registration Inspection stage matters

• Registration hinges on “likely to meet”: Ofsted’s pre‑registration inspection does not grade quality; it tests whether you are likely to meet the ISS on opening, feeding directly into the DfE’s decision to register.
• Evidence, not extras: Inspectors expect you to have the required documents available; they do not require you to create bespoke paperwork for inspection. Organisation and accessibility are key.
• Process and expectations are evolving: From January 2026, Ofsted’s renewed guidance for non‑association independent schools sets out updated operating guides and toolkits that shape inspection activity and what inspectors look for in leadership, safeguarding, curriculum and premises.

What we do (scope of the mock pre registration inspection)

Our mock pre‑registration inspection replicates the stages and lines of enquiry used by Ofsted when they are commissioned by the DfE:

Ofsted Planning call & evidence map

We begin with a planning call to understand your context, then build a standards‑mapped evidence index (safeguarding, curriculum, premises, governance, SEND, information provision, complaints). This mirrors how inspectors prepare and identify likely focus areas.

On‑site review – leadership, premises and safeguarding first

• Leadership & governance interviews (including the proprietor), reflecting Ofsted’s emphasis on strong leadership, inclusion and an open safeguarding culture.
• Premises walk‑through and compliance checks (fire safety documentation, health & safety, supervision, toilets/welfare, accessibility) to demonstrate the site’s suitability to meet the standards on opening.
• SCR and safer recruitment spot checks, policy sampling, and scrutiny of key records required by the ISS.

Curriculum & pupil experience

Review of your curriculum policy, schemes of work, assessment approach and timetable model to show how pupils will achieve, belong and thrive, in line with Ofsted’s toolkit emphasis and the ISS outcomes.

Feedback & Ofsted readiness reporting

We provide immediate oral feedback followed by a written Readiness Report setting out:

• Where you already meet the likely expectations
• Any gaps or compliance risks
• Priority actions and suggested evidence to strengthen before Ofsted’s visit
  This aligns to Ofsted’s expectation that leaders can demonstrate systems that will operate in practice.

Good to know: Ofsted expects proprietors/senior leaders to be available to meet inspectors; if this is not possible, it can impede inspectors’ ability to judge leadership and management against the standards. We rehearse these meetings during your mock.

Our deliverables

• Standards‑mapped Ofsted Readiness Report (ISS alignment) with links to where each requirement is likely to be met.
• On‑site mock inspection following Ofsted’s current inspection approach.

Frequently asked questions on the Pre Registration Inspection

Is pre‑registration a “graded” inspection?
No. Ofsted reports whether you are likely to meet the ISS when you open; there is no grade at pre‑registration.

Do we need to create new documents for Ofsted?
No. Make sure the statutory and ISS‑required documents you already need are complete, accurate and accessible. We help you organise them so inspectors can see what they need without extra workload.

What areas will inspectors focus on?
Safeguarding culture, leadership/governance, premises suitability and curriculum intent/implementation are typical focal points under the current operating guides and toolkit.

How does Ofsted’s renewed approach (from Jan 2026) affect us?
Ofsted’s new toolkit and operating guides for non‑association independent schools emphasise leadership, inclusion and safeguarding, and set out how evidence is gathered. Our mock is aligned with these materials.

Why JMC Education?

• Independent‑school specialists in registration, inspection readiness and compliance.
• Mock inspections that mirror Ofsted expectations and cadence, reducing unknowns on the day.
• Clear, actionable reporting that turns standards into a practical to‑do list before your real inspection.

Get started

Book a free 30‑minute consultation to plan your mock pre‑registration inspection and receive a tailored proposal with timelines and fixed‑fee options.

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com