Research and analysis

Report on the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s inspections of British schools overseas (BSO) in 2024–26

Updated 14 May 2026

Letter to the Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson MP

14 May 2026

The Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson MP
Secretary of State for Education
Department for Education
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT

Report on the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) inspections of British schools overseas (BSO) between September 2024 and April 2026

Under direction from you, Ofsted monitors the work of each of the 3 approved British schools overseas (BSO) inspectorates to evaluate the extent to which each inspectorate meets the standards for inspectorates. 

I am pleased to attach my report on the work of ISI. This report sets out the extent of Ofsted’s monitoring activity and any judgements we have reached.

You commissioned us to carry out one on-site quality assurance visit to an ISI BSO inspection and to review 4 full evidence bases and reports. This has given us enough evidence to reach a judgement about the quality of ISI’s work. We have explained these judgements fully in the attached report. 

Yours sincerely

Sir Martyn Oliver
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector

Letter to Vanessa Ward

14 May 2026

Vanessa Ward
Chief Inspector
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Cap House
9–12 Long Lane
London
EC1A 9HA

Report on the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s inspections of British schools overseas (BSO) between September 2024 and April 2026

Please find enclosed a copy of the report on the inspection work of the Independent Schools Inspectorate between September 2024 and April 2026, which I have today sent to the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson MP. The report will also be published on Ofsted’s website.

Thank you for the work you and your colleagues have done to facilitate Ofsted’s quality assurance work over the last academic year.

Yours sincerely 

Sir Martyn Oliver
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector

Report on the British schools overseas (BSO) inspection work by the Independent Schools Inspectorate between September 2024 and April 2026

Introduction 

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is approved by the Department for Education (DfE) to inspect British schools overseas (BSO) against the BSO standards. BSO is a voluntary scheme established in 2010. Schools that apply to join it must evidence that they meet standards that are comparable to the English independent school standards and the national minimum standards for boarding schools. Schools must be inspected successfully at least every 3 years to maintain their accreditation. There are 3 approved inspectorates, and schools can choose which of these they want to carry out their accreditation inspection.

Each BSO inspectorate is expected to meet the DfE’s standards for inspectorates. These standards set out the technical proficiency, independence and objectivity that the inspectorates must demonstrate at all times. This report sets out the extent to which ISI meets these standards.

This report relates solely to ISI’s inspection of British schools overseas. My annual report of ISI’s inspection of association independent schools was published on 28 January 2026.

ISI inspection September 2024 and April 2026 

During the period in question, ISI carried out 55 BSO inspections. These included schools in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Central and South America, and the Channel Islands.

Ofsted’s monitoring activity 

Ofsted carried out one on-site monitoring visit in December 2025. His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) also reviewed evidence bases and reports from 4 other inspections carried out during the 2024/25 academic year. One of these evidence bases was for a pilot of the inspection framework which ISI introduced in January 2025 to align with the national framework for inspections of association independent schools in England.

Key findings 

His Majesty’s Inspectors’ (HMI) judgement is that ISI meets the standards required of BSO inspectorates in full.

• The conduct and professional knowledge of the inspection teams are a particular strength. Inspectors consistently demonstrate a secure understanding of the schools they inspect, the context in which these schools operate and the expectations schools must meet to fulfil the requirements of the BSO standards. Inspectors consistently receive positive feedback about their conduct on inspection.
• Evidence bases are thorough and detailed. Reporting inspectors lead teams well to check the quality of evidence-gathering and recording. Inspectors’ professional challenge of each other allows a comprehensive understanding of each aspect of a school’s provision to develop. Furthermore, it encourages the refinement of inspection activity.
• Quality assurance by ISI’s senior staff helps to develop the expertise of newer inspectors as well as providing challenge and support to inspection teams. This leads to system-wide rigour.
• Inspection of safeguarding is rigorous, well triangulated and woven through different inspection activities.
• Inspection reports are detailed and informative. They align with the findings of the inspection and provide clear feedback to leaders. They accurately identify strengths and areas for improvement in line with the criteria of the ISI inspection framework and handbook.
• The inspection of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has developed since Ofsted’s last monitoring report. Meetings with leaders for SEND are regularly triangulated with findings from lesson visits and inspectors record this evidence evaluatively.