Contracted Ofsted inspectors for schools and further education and skills
Find out if you have the qualifications and experience to contract as an Ofsted inspector for schools or further education and skills.
Applies to England
If you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you might be able to contract with us as an Ofsted inspector, either as a lead or team inspector. You would then take part in inspections across England of:
- schools, including maintained schools, initial teacher education providers and independent schools
- further education and skills providers
Ofsted can enter such contracts under schedule 12, paragraph 11 of the Education and Inspection Act 2006.
We also have a permanent employed inspector workforce of His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs). There is separate guidance if you want to become an HMI.
Who can be a contracted Ofsted inspector
You can be a contracted inspector if you are either:
You must not have been previously barred from being a proprietor or head teacher of a school under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.
We must also be satisfied that you are not connected with any inspection judgements or circumstances which may undermine your track record as an effective leader or credibility as an inspector.
Serving practitioners
You will be working in a provision which is inspected or regulated by Ofsted. That provision should have been rated as ‘good’ or better at the most recent inspection.
We will also consider talented leaders currently working in a provision that is less than good. In such cases there would need to be clear evidence of you having both:
- effected sustained, measurable improvement at your current provision
- previous experience of leading a good or better provision
Non-serving practitioners
You will be able to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge, practice and expertise in your sector.
You will not currently be working at a provision inspected or regulated by Ofsted. If you have previously worked at one or more, the last one you worked at should have been rated as ‘good’ or better at the most recent inspection.
Qualifications and experience required
Your qualifications
You will need both of the following:
- to hold qualified teacher status (known as ‘QTS’) or a recognised teaching qualification
- to be educated to degree-level qualification or equivalent level 6
If you want to inspect further education and skills providers, you must have up-to-date occupational competency. You must also have up-to-date knowledge of the types of provision, including:
- 16 to 19 study programmes
- apprenticeships
- community learning
Your experience
In addition to the qualifications above, you will need:
- a minimum of 5 years’ successful teaching experience within the relevant remit
- a further minimum of 2 years’ successful and substantial management experience in the relevant area
- up-to-date knowledge and practice in the sector
- experience gained from more than one institution
Skills and competencies required
You must be able to:
- use evidence to form hypotheses and questions
- identify priorities
- use evidence and your knowledge to evaluate options and arrive at well-reasoned decisions
- weigh complex and conflicting evidence to reach robust judgements
- produce clear written records and reports expressing your judgements cogently and precisely in writing
Register your interest
If you believe you meet the above requirements, you can register your interest to contract as an Ofsted inspector.