ASCL self-evaluation tool

The documents in the ASCL self-evaluation framework (SEF) toolkit reflect changes in the Ofsted handbook from September 2021.

This resource includes a range of tools designed to support school leaders in finding an approach to self-evaluation that works for them and their school.

The SEF toolkit 2021 consists of:

guidance notes on how to use the ASCL SEF toolkit 2021
a concise SEF template summarising key strengths and weaknesses
a coverage checklist to rate aspects of school provision
an intermediate SEF with a page for each key judgement
an extended SEF template
a Headteacher’s commentary template to support leaders wishing to prepare for the 90-minute pre-inspection phone call with inspectors. This includes a commentary for each subject and a simple rating system to highlight subject areas of strength and concern (not using Ofsted grades)

Collaborative self-evaluation
There is also a suite of resources available to enable effective collaborative self-evaluation by prompting thinking and discussion about the schools’ strengths and areas for development:

Overall effectiveness
Quality of education
Behaviour and attitudes
Personal development
Leadership and management
Sixth form
Early years
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Further information
It is important schools take note of Ofsted’s mythbusters guidance and understand that inspectors have no expectations about the format and structure of self-evaluation. Schools should do whatever works for them, and it is our hope this new framework will help them to do so.

This suite of tools is designed to be flexible and schools should use the tools which best suit their needs and context. Some schools will benefit from using a highly structured approach, whereas others will want to take a sharper view and focus on the things that really matter to them, hence the inclusion of a concise SEF tool.

We are grateful to ASCL consultant Tony Thornley and Steve Rollett for their work in developing previous versions of the SEF toolkit.

The ASCL self-evaluation toolkit is free for members.

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If you are not a member of ASCL and would like to order the toolkit, please complete the form below. There is a contribution fee of £50 to the ASCL Education Development Trust.

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ASCL self-evaluation toolkit

For ASCL members