Guidance

How to become a contracted Ofsted inspector

You will need to follow a specific procedure if you want to contract as an Ofsted inspector.

Applies to England

Before you register

You will need to meet certain requirements before you can register your interest with Ofsted.

These requirements will depend on whether you want to inspect:

Register your interest

If you meet the requirements for your remit, you will need to follow the instructions on how to register your interest in becoming a contracted Ofsted inspector.

Assessing your credentials

If you meet the requirements for the remit you have registered an interest in, we will keep you on our list of potential contracted inspectors for 2 years. You should not re-register your interest during this time.

If you are selected

You will need to:

  • complete an online assessment
  • attend an assessment/interview
  • provide us with relevant documents and references
  • attend training sessions that we will provide

These activities are unpaid.

Before you can work as a contracted inspector

After you have completed your initial training, you will have to carry out both of the following:

  • a shadow inspection
  • a sign-off inspection

As with your training, these activities are unpaid.

Working as a contracted Ofsted inspector

After you have successfully completed all the above stages, you will be able to carry out contracted inspections for your remit.

Updates to this page

Published 19 January 2022
Last updated 10 January 2023 + show all updates
  1. Adding 'teacher development' to first bullet point so it now reads: 'school, teacher development or further education and skills providers'.

  2. First published.

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