Tips, Ideas, Guidance and Advice for School Leaders

Navigate Ofsted inspections in 2026 effectively. Learn what inspectors evaluate under the EIF, how case sampling works and practical preparation strategies.

Confused about Ofsted inspection timing? Get straightforward answers on when your school will be inspected based on your previous grade under the 2025 framework.

Understand case sampling in Ofsted's 2025 framework. Learn how inspectors track individual pupils, how to prepare, and how this monitoring approach strengthens your inclusion practice.

Ofsted Post-16 toolkit 2025 explained for sixth form leaders. Prepare your setting with the changes to the Ofsted framework and what this means for you and your students.

Prepare for Ofsted's Leadership and Governance evaluation starting November 2025. Essential tips and preparation steps to ensure your setting is ready.

Prepare for Ofsted's combined Attendance and Behaviour evaluation area starting November 2025, including top tips and supporting resources.

Everything school leaders need to know about Ofsted's new Achievement evaluation area from November 2025. Includes grading criteria, evidence needed & preparation steps.

Prepare for Ofsted's November 2025 Curriculum and Teaching changes. Learn key evaluation criteria, expected standards and actionable steps to achieve success in your next inspection.

Discover everything about Ofsted's new safeguarding evaluation area in the 2025 framework. Get expert guidance, preparation tips and essential resources including audit tools to help your school succeed under the new 5-point grading system starting November 2025.

Discover everything about Ofsted's new Inclusion evaluation area in the 2025 framework. Get expert guidance, preparation tips and essential resources including audit tools to help your school succeed under the new 5-point grading system starting November 2025.

Discover everything about Ofsted's 2025 framework changes for school leaders. New report cards replace single grades, inspections resume November 2025.

Many school leaders have been asking: What has changed in Ofsted inspections 2025? and When will the new Ofsted framework be published? Until recently, it was expected that the updated Ofsted inspection framework 2025 — including new inspection areas and methodology — would be released before the end of the summer term. Instead, the publication was delayed until September 2025, with inspections under the new approach beginning in November. Why was the Ofsted toolkit delayed? According to Ofsted’s consultation response, the delay was due to the sheer volume and depth of sector feedback. Over 6,500 people responded, and more than 200 test visits were carried out. The 2025 Ofsted Framework changes include: New inspection areas and streamlined evaluation criteria A report card format to replace current inspection reports Adjustments to how grade boundaries are defined Ofsted has stated that the extra time was needed to refine the final approach, improve clarity and continue testing the methodology. Their public line is that the consultation was meaningful and that the changes will benefit both professionals and pupils. So if you’ve been wondering Why did Ofsted delay the new framework?, this is your answer. It’s about taking the time to get it right. When is the new Ofsted toolkit coming out? The new Ofsted toolkit 2025 — including report card guidance and revised inspection materials — was released in September 2025. Routine inspections under the new approach will not begin until November 2025. In other words, Ofsted inspections have been postponed from September 2025 to November 2025 to give schools time to engage with the new framework. Alongside the publication, Ofsted will: Hold professional briefings for schools in early autumn Invite every provider to nominate a staff member to attend training Share inspector training materials publicly Continue hosting sector-facing webinars To summarise, if you’re asking What date does the new Ofsted framework start?, the answer is: Inspections under the revised approach begin November 2025, but the documents and training will appear in September. Are Ofsted inspections changing in 2025? Yes — significantly. The Ofsted September 2025 changes mark a shift in both structure and tone. Some of the biggest changes in the Ofsted inspection framework 2025 update include: Fewer evaluation areas, based on concerns about manageability Clearer grade boundaries, with improved definitions of what each judgement means New Ofsted inspection areas for 2025, reflecting different aspects of school life A report card format designed to be simpler and more accessible for parents Leaders have also asked: How is Ofsted changing in 2025? and Are Ofsted inspections changing in 2025? Yes, and you can read more about those changes here. Summary of Ofsted consultation 2025: What feedback said If you’re looking for a summary of the 2025 Ofsted consultation, here’s the short version: Parents were strongly in favour of the new report cards (nearly 70% preferred them) Leaders raised concerns about clarity, the number of areas being inspected and workload Ofsted is now refining the framework based on that feedback from the 2025  consultation An independent assessment of the impact on professional wellbeing will also be published It’s worth noting that Ofsted has already confirmed that some of the toolkit proposals will be revised before the September release. How Honeyguide will help If you’d like support once the 2025 Ofsted toolkit is released, we’ll be ready. We’re preparing a full set of updated resources to help you respond quickly, calmly and clearly without needing to start from scratch. What we’re offering: Revised Ofsted audit packs, one for each inspection area, aligned to the final toolkit A full inspection preparation pack, including templates and prompts to help document your response Toolkit update briefing slides, so you can explain the changes clearly to staff Deep-dive CPD packs, supporting reflection and development in each area We’ll also refresh our free checklists, summaries and guidance tools so you have what you need, when you need it. Whether you want to plan ahead now or wait until the September release, Honeyguide will be here to help you navigate the changes with confidence.  

Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook was updated in September 2024. But what were the changes and what do they mean for your school in 2025? This Honeyguide blog will fill you in.

Deep dives will no longer take place in ungraded inspections. What does this mean for school leaders? Find out in the informative blog.

Learn about the 2024 Ofsted English Subject Report and what it means for you as a English subject lead or department lead

Find out what the Ofsted Music Subject Report contains and what this means for you as a music subject co-ordinator or department lead.