Guidance
Independent school inspection: toolkit, operating guide and information
Guidance for inspectors and schools on inspecting non-association independent schools in England under the renewed education inspection framework, available for use from January 2026.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
Find guidance for non-association independent school inspections in England:
- non-association independent school inspection toolkit – what inspectors and schools use to discuss the quality of provision on inspection
- non-association independent school inspection operating guide – a step-by-step guide for inspectors on how to inspect a school
- information about non-association independent school inspections – for school staff and leaders, parents and carers and the wider public
This guidance will replace the independent schools inspection handbook from January 2026.
Education inspection framework
°Õ³ó±ðÌýeducation inspection frameworkÌý±ð³æ±è±ô²¹¾±²Ô²õÌýwhy we inspect non-association independent schools (and other educational provision), including the legal requirements.
Updates to this page
Published 9 September 2025