School inspections are changing

Closes 26 Nov 2025

Section 4: Notification of inspection

 

 

Currently, a school is given two-and-a-half weeks’ notice of an inspection. This enables the inspection team to plan the inspection activities alongside the headteacher and to give staff time to complete pre-inspection paperwork. It also provides time for parents, pupils, staff and partner organisations to complete pre-inspection questionnaires and for the inspectors to collate and analyse responses.

We would like your views on whether the current notification period is appropriate.

4.1. How much notice do you think schools should receive before an inspection?
There is a limit of 500 characters
There is a limit of 500 characters