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:
- schools, teacher development or further education and skills providers
- early years childcare or social care providers
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 2022Last updated 10 January 2023 + show all updates
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Adding 'teacher development' to first bullet point so it now reads: 'school, teacher development or further education and skills providers'.
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First published.