Summary of changes
Updated 19 January 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-school-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information/summary-of-changes
This document sets out changes we have made to inspection guidance to reflect our inspection practice. It does not include corrections or changes made to improve clarity.
January 2026
Inspection information for non-association independent schools
Updated following the withdrawal of the handbook for additional inspections of independent schools. Information that was in the handbook is now in this document. The update includes new sections on:
- aligned inspections of boarding and residential special schools
- evaluation of school action plans (including when reports are issued)
- concerns or complaints about a school
- how and when inspection reports are published