Guidance

Independent school inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information

Guidance for inspectors and schools on inspecting non-association independent schools in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from January 2026.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

Find guidance for non-association independent school inspections in England:

  • non-association independent school inspection toolkit – what inspectors and schools use to discuss the quality of provision on inspection
  • non-association independent school inspection operating guide – a step-by-step guide for inspectors on how to inspect a school
  • information about non-association independent school inspections – for school staff and leaders, parents and carers and the wider public

This guidance will replace the independent schools inspection handbook from January 2026.

Education inspection framework

The education inspection framework explains why we inspect non-association independent schools (and other educational provision), including the legal requirements.

Updates to this page

Published 9 September 2025

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