Ofsted 2025 Personal Development and Wellbeing: What Schools Need to Know
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 creation of a dedicated Personal Development and Wellbeing evaluation area – a change that reflects the growing recognition of holistic education in developing well-rounded pupils.
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
- Personal Development and Wellbeing as a standalone evaluation area
- Inclusion separated into its own dedicated area
- All changes take effect from 10th November 2025
If you want to get up-to-speed with the 2025 Ofsted changes, grab our free update here.
Understanding Personal Development and Wellbeing as an Evaluation Area
What Does This Means for Your School?
The Personal Development and Wellbeing evaluation area isn't entirely new – it builds upon the previous 'Personal Development' judgement area. However, there are key differences:
- Enhanced focus on wellbeing alongside traditional personal development aspects
- Inclusion elements have been moved to their own separate evaluation area
- Clearer criteria for what constitutes effective provision
- More detailed expectations across the 5-point grading scale
This separation acknowledges that student wellbeing and personal development are fundamental to educational success. Research consistently shows that students who feel supported, valued, and emotionally secure are better equipped to learn, engage, and achieve their potential.
What Are the Key Areas Ofsted Will Evaluate?
Schools can expect evaluation across several core areas:
- Character Development and Values
Including how well pupils develop resilience, confidence and independence, and the opportunities pupils have to share their voice and leadership.
- Health and Wellbeing Support
Including the mental health and emotional support systems in place, as well as anti-bullying strategies and their effectiveness.
- Preparation for Life Beyond School
Including work-related learning opportunities and careers guidance and community engagement.
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Including relationship and sex education provision and respect for diversity and difference.
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 Personal Development and Wellbeing, this means:
- Having clear systems and structures in place
- Demonstrating positive outcomes for pupils
- Showing evidence of continuous improvement
- Meeting statutory requirements effectively
Schools should focus on getting the basics right before aiming for higher gradings.
What Preparation Steps Can Our 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 Personal Development and Wellbeing.
Use this update pack, including a comprehensive, ready-to-deliver training PowerPoint, to share the changes clearly and with ease so everyone is on the same page.
2. Conduct a Self-Evaluation
Use the evaluation criteria to assess your current provision. Take time to consider:
- What evidence do you have for each area?
- Where are your strengths and gaps?
- How do you currently measure impact and outcomes?
Our 2025 Personal Development and Wellbeing Audit is built around the structure and themes of Ofsted’s 2025 Inspection Toolkit, and offers a detailed framework to evaluate current strengths, identify gaps and shape next steps in students' personal development.
3. Review Your Policies and Procedures
Ensure your policies align with the new framework:
- Personal development policy
- Wellbeing and mental health strategies
- Behaviour and anti-bullying policies
- PSHE curriculum planning
4. Gather and Organise Evidence
Start collecting evidence that demonstrates impact:
- Pupil voice surveys and feedback
- Wellbeing data and trends
- Case studies of individual pupil progress
- Staff training records and qualifications
- Partnership working examples
Don't wait until November – begin your preparation now, and consider how this area connects with other evaluation areas too!