State Schools Self-Evaluation - Using the New Inspection Toolkit

About

This self-evaluation toolkit has been developed to support state school education in preparing for inspection under the revised Ofsted framework, which is being introduced in November 2025. It translates the official inspection toolkit into a practical resource that school leaders can use to reflect on their current position, identify strengths, and plan for improvement with confidence.

The structure follows the new Ofsted scorecard approach. Each section of the inspection framework is presented in a table format with three clear components:

• Grade Descriptor – adapted directly from Ofsted’s published descriptors, using the most recent terminology (Exemplary, Strong, Secure, Attention Needed,
  Causing Concern, and Met/Not Met for safeguarding).
• Explanation for Grading – a plain-English interpretation to help leadership teams understand how the descriptors apply in practice within a school setting.
• Next Steps – concise, actionable recommendations that highlight how providers can move from their current position to the next level, ensuring ongoing
  improvement and readiness for inspection.

This resource is not intended to replace Ofsted’s official guidance, but rather to simplify and operationalise the framework so that senior leaders, governors, and middle managers can:

• Benchmark their current provision against the inspection expectations
• Pinpoint priority areas for development with clarity
• Use the “Next Steps” as a springboard for strategic planning and quality improvement

By combining the latest Ofsted documentation with practical sector insight, this toolkit is designed to reduce complexity, support reflective conversations, and accelerate school improvement planning.