This week I report on the updated Ofsted inspection handbooks which now align to the updated inspection process and the publication of information from the DfE and Ofqual on this year’s National Reference Test.

Ofsted updates inspection handbooks
Ofsted has updated its ‘School inspection handbook’ and ‘School monitoring handbook’ to align with its updated inspection process. It clarifies some of the outstanding questions about the interim period before it introduces report cards. Among the clarifications is a clearer definition of what would lead to a school being put in a category of concern and the rules around displaying judgement logos on websites or banners on school sites. The changes to the handbooks come into effect immediately, with routine inspections resuming on 23 September.

New information on this year’s National Reference Test
The DfE and Ofqual have released new information on this year’s National Reference Test, which will take place between late February and early March 2025. The Government selects a sample of secondary/high schools, which then must submit pupils for tests in maths and England language. The results are considered by Ofqual and the exam boards as evidence of performance standards in these subjects over time. It is mandatory for the selected schools to have pupils take part.