PRESS RELEASE- Ofsted announces new pilot to use more serving school and college leaders as inspectors

Ofsted has launched a pilot programme to increase the involvement of current school and college leaders in inspection teams. The initiative brings practising professionals into the inspection process in structured groups, drawn from established networks and organisations.

The aim is to strengthen the credibility, consistency, and sector understanding of inspections by embedding real-world leadership experience. By doing so, Ofsted seeks to ensure that inspection judgements are informed by those actively working within education settings and who understand the day-to-day realities faced by staff and learners.

This approach also supports increased inspection capacity and promotes a more collaborative model of assurance, where peer insight contributes to a fairer and more balanced evaluation process.

From a safeguarding and quality perspective, the pilot reflects a continued focus on improving outcomes for children and young people by ensuring inspection practice is both informed and robust, with accountability grounded in current professional experience.

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