Skip to main content
Guidance

Independent schools inspection handbook

Ofsted guidance on inspecting non-association independent schools in England under the education inspection framework.

Updates to this page

From:
Ofsted
Published:
14 May 2019
Last updated:
21 January 2025
Show all updates

  1. See 'Summary of changes'.

  2. See 'Summary of changes'.

  3. See 'Summary of changes'.

  4. See 'Summary of changes'.

  5. We are in the process of updating this handbook to reflect the changes mentioned in our statement published on 7 December.

  6. See 'Summary of changes'.

  7. See 'Summary of changes'.

  8. See 'Summary of changes'.

  9. See 'Summary of changes'.

  10. See 'Summary of changes' for details.

  11. Added guidance on aligned inspections of schools with boarding or residential provision.

  12. Removed old guidance: the September 2021 handbook is now in force.

  13. See 'Summary of changes' document.

  14. Edits throughout: see 'Summary of changes' for details.

  15. Updated with minor changes following the launch of the education inspection framework (EIF).

  16. Updated with minor changes as we launch the education inspection framework (EIF).

  17. First published.

This publication was withdrawn on

This page has been withdrawn because it’s out of date. You can find inspection guidance for independent schools on the Independent school inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information page.

Applies to England

Documents

Non-association independent schools inspection handbook

HTML

Summary of changes

HTML

Details

This handbook is primarily a guide for inspectors on how to carry out non-association independent school inspections under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008.

We also publish this for schools and other interested parties so that they are aware of Ofsted’s inspection processes and procedures under the education inspection framework (EIF).

You can also read the ‘Ofsted EIF inspections and the EYFS’ guidance for more information about what providers need to know about delivering the early years foundation stage, and Ofsted inspections.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content