The burden of inspection continues to be a significant concern for school leaders and adverse inspection outcomes can have severe consequences for leaders, institutions and communities. The proposals outlined in this consultation have the potential to help schools achieve fairer and more consistent outcomes, albeit with significant caveats.

ASCL is disappointed the reasons given for the proposals focus almost exclusively on logistical considerations. Whilst logistical issues are of obvious significance to Ofsted, the consultation should also have made clearer how the proposals might serve to improve the quality of inspection for the benefit of the young people and staff in the schools inspected. It will be important to draw out any such points from the pilot feedback and share these with schools.

Read the full response here.