New Ofsted Framework 2025: Curriculum and Teaching

With the introduction of the new inspection framework in November 2025, schools across England are preparing for significant changes that will reshape how they're evaluated. One of the most important developments is the enhanced focus on Curriculum and Teaching as a critical evaluation area – a change that reflects the growing recognition that high-quality curriculum design and effective teaching practice are the cornerstones of excellent education.

What's Changed in Ofsted's 2025 Framework?

Ofsted has completely overhauled its inspection approach, replacing the traditional School Inspection Handbook with new toolkits and inspection guidance. The most significant changes include:

• 9 distinct evaluation areas (replacing the previous 4 judgement areas)
• New 5-point grading system with clearer expectations
• Enhanced Curriculum and Teaching evaluation with more rigorous requirements
• All changes take effect from 10th November 2025

Understanding Curriculum and Teaching as an Enhanced Evaluation Area

What Does This Mean for Your School?

The Curriculum and Teaching evaluation area builds upon previous frameworks but with significantly enhanced expectations and more detailed scrutiny. While curriculum quality and teaching effectiveness have always been fundamental to Ofsted inspections, the 2025 framework places even greater emphasis on curriculum intent, implementation and foundational skills to develop lifelong learners. 

This enhanced focus recognises that curriculum and teaching are not just about delivering content, but about designing coherent learning journeys that build knowledge systematically over time and employing teaching methods that ensure all pupils make strong progress. Research consistently shows that pupils who experience a well-sequenced curriculum delivered through effective teaching develop deeper understanding, better retention and greater academic success.

What Are the Key Areas Ofsted Will Evaluate?

Schools can expect evaluation across several core areas:

Curriculum Intent and Design

Including how well leaders have designed a coherent, ambitious curriculum for all pupils, the rationale behind curriculum sequencing and progression, how the curriculum meets the needs of all learners including those with SEND, and the breadth and ambition of curriculum content across all subjects.

Curriculum Implementation

Including how effectively the curriculum is delivered in practice, the quality of medium-term and lesson planning, how well teaching builds on pupils' prior knowledge, and consistency of curriculum delivery across different classes and year groups.

Teaching Quality and Pedagogy

Including the effectiveness of teaching methods and strategies, how well teachers use assessment to inform teaching, the quality of questioning and classroom dialogue, and how teachers address misconceptions and deepen understanding.

Subject Knowledge and Expertise

Including teachers' depth of subject knowledge, specialist teaching in primary and secondary phases, how subject leaders support non-specialist teachers, and ongoing professional development in curriculum and pedagogy.

Curriculum Adaptation and Inclusion

Including how the curriculum is adapted for pupils with different needs, the effectiveness of teaching for pupils with SEND, strategies to ensure all pupils can access the full curriculum, and how teaching addresses gaps in knowledge and skills.

Assessment and Progress

Including how assessment is used to check understanding and inform next steps, the quality of feedback provided to pupils, how well teachers identify and address learning gaps, and evidence that pupils are making strong progress through the curriculum.

Meeting the 'Expected Standard': What Do Schools Need to Know?

Ofsted expects most schools to achieve at least an 'Expected Standard' rating in each evaluation area. For Curriculum and Teaching, this means:

• Having a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum that is consistently implemented
• Demonstrating effective teaching that enables pupils to learn and remember more
• Showing evidence that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum successfully
• Meeting all statutory curriculum requirements without exception

Schools should focus on getting the basics right before aiming for higher gradings. However, it's important to note that weaknesses in curriculum and teaching can significantly impact overall inspection outcomes.

What Preparation Steps Can Your School Take?

1. Update Staff and Governors

Ensure your staff team and governing body/trustees are up to date on the changes to the Ofsted Framework for Curriculum and Teaching.

Share the enhanced expectations clearly so everyone understands their crucial role in curriculum design and delivery, and can demonstrate the school's comprehensive approach during inspection.

2. Conduct a Self-Evaluation

Use the evaluation criteria to assess your current provision. Take time to consider:

• What is the rationale behind your curriculum sequencing in each subject?
• Where are your strengths in curriculum design and teaching quality?
• How do you currently measure curriculum impact and teaching effectiveness?
• Do all teachers feel confident in delivering the curriculum consistently?

Consider conducting a comprehensive curriculum review that covers intent, implementation, impact, teaching quality and assessment practices using the new framework structure.

3. Review Your Curriculum Documentation

Ensure your curriculum aligns with the enhanced framework expectations:

• Curriculum intent statements for all subjects (showing ambition and coherence)
• Long-term curriculum maps demonstrating clear progression and sequencing
• Subject-specific progression documents showing knowledge and skills development
• SEND curriculum adaptations and access strategies
• Assessment frameworks aligned to curriculum expectations
• Evidence of curriculum coverage and statutory requirements compliance

4. Strengthen Teaching and Learning Practices

Focus on pedagogical approaches that support curriculum delivery:

• Consistent use of effective teaching strategies across the school
• Regular opportunities for collaborative planning and professional dialogue
• Structured approaches to checking understanding and addressing misconceptions
• High-quality feedback that moves learning forward
• Strategic use of assessment information to inform teaching decisions
• Professional development focused on subject knowledge and pedagogy

5. Gather and Organise Evidence

Start collecting evidence that demonstrates curriculum and teaching effectiveness:

• Curriculum maps and progression documents for all subjects
• Examples of high-quality planning showing curriculum sequencing
• Pupil work samples demonstrating progression over time
• Lesson visit records and teaching quality evaluations
• Staff training records in curriculum and pedagogical approaches
• Pupil voice evidence about their learning experiences
• Assessment data showing progress through the curriculum
• Subject leader reports on curriculum implementation and impact

Don't wait until November – begin your preparation now, and remember that excellence in curriculum and teaching underpins success across all other evaluation areas. By ensuring your curriculum is ambitious, coherent and well-taught, you create the conditions for all pupils to flourish and achieve their full potential.