Guidance

Inspectors talking to pupils on inspection

Guidance for Ofsted inspectors on talking to pupils during school inspections.

• From: Ofsted
• Published: 17 September 2020
• Last updated: 28 September 2023
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  1. 28 September 2023

     Updated terminology to ensure consistent use across Ofsted guidance and handbooks, and to represent current practice more faithfully. Added clarification on the processes that inspectors should follow. Language and guidance aligned with other Ofsted documents.

  2. 19 April 2021

     Updated to clarify that if inspectors cannot corroborate safeguarding evidence by talking to pupils, safeguarding will be judged ineffective and the relevant independent school standards judged as not met.

  3. 17 September 2020

     First published.

This publication was withdrawn on 10 November 2025

This page has been withdrawn because it’s out of date. You can find guidance on inspectors talking to pupils on inspection in the operating guides for state-funded schools and independent schools.

Applies to England

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Inspectors talking to pupils on inspection

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Gathering evidence from pupils to find out about their experience of school is an essential part of any school inspection. Inspectors should read this guidance together with the schools handbook or the non-association independent schools handbook as appropriate.