New inspection method welcomed by education providers, but staff wellbeing remains a concern: research

Last year, the education watchdog introduced new evaluation areas and grades, set out in colour-coded report cards, and placed greater emphasis on inclusion, wellbeing and collaboration throughout the inspection process.

Inspections under the renewed framework began in November 2025 with schools that volunteered for the first wave. Routine inspections began in January 2026.

The study, carried out by independent social research agency IFF Research, gathered the views of school, early years and further education leaders through focus groups and online surveys following inspection. Headteacher union NAHT also had input into the question design.

It found that more than 6 out of 10 respondents said their inspection would help them improve their school, early years or further education provision – and that nearly three-quarters of education providers surveyed agreed that inspection had identified the best of their provision.

The survey also showed that the majority of those inspected under the new approach agreed that their inspection had been conducted respectfully (88%), collaboratively (76%) and empathetically (78%).

However, the research meanwhile identified that workload and wellbeing remain a concern for providers, with 4 out of 10 saying the inspection negatively affected their or their staff’s mental wellbeing ‘a fair amount’ or ‘a lot’ – rising to nearly half in schools.

Elsewhere, the research found that almost three-quarters of respondents (74%) agreed that inspectors had sought to take account of their provision’s unique context, and a similar proportion (72%) agreed their inspection was tailored to, and took account of, the context of their provision.

Providers were also generally positive about the content of their report card, and the majority (81%) agreed it accurately described what it is like to be a pupil, learner or child at their provision.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “The data.....shows that we are on the right track. We are inspecting first and foremost in the interests of children and maintaining high standards, while at the same time improving the experience for the hard-working professionals in our nurseries, schools and colleges.

“I know that workload and wellbeing in education continue to be challenging, and I don’t take that lightly. We will keep listening to feedback from professionals and parents alike as we continue to improve what we do.”

However, Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Despite the positive way in which these findings are presented, it should be ringing alarm bells that nearly 90% of schools have reported that the mental wellbeing of staff has been negatively affected by Ofsted inspections.

“It is extremely serious that the health of so many educators is being undermined and we do not understand how Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver can then say the system is on the right track. This is clearly not the case."

Di'Iasio added: “The feedback that we receive from our members shows a devastating toll on wellbeing and several have told us they will leave the profession before undergoing another Ofsted inspection. These are highly experienced and resilient professionals who will be lost to the education system."

Adam Carey