Abolish Ofsted

A circle of stress and fear

Read our report on the impact of Ofsted's new inspection framework, one year on 

One year on from Ofsted's reforms, their inspection framework is still harming school staff.  

To assess the full impact of Ofsted's new inspection framework, we surveyed 1,970 NEU members on their experience or anticipation of inspection, interviewed headteachers and analysed the grades of published inspection reports under the old and new inspection frameworks.  

Our findings expose Ofsted's devastating impact upon workload, wellbeing and teacher retention. It's more of the same: more pressure, more competition, more labels.  

As a profession we must demand and secure change. 

Read our report 

This example shows how to use the assessment most effectively in your workplace. The health and well-being of members must be prioritised and protected before, during, and after an inspection.

Ruth Perry inquest

The NEU called for an immediate pause in Ofsted inspections in response to the coroner’s verdict and conclusions in the Ruth Perry inquest.

For more than 30 years, Ofsted’s toxic regime has been driving school leaders and teachers out of the profession and fuelling a mental health crisis among school staff.  Read our statement on Ofsted.

Beyond Ofsted

The National Education Union is proud to have been part of the Beyond Ofsted Inquiry – an independent inquiry made up of members of the NEU, industry experts, parents and academics and chaired by former schools minister Lord Jim Knight. It sought to establish an alternative to Ofsted that is supportive, effective and fair.

The Beyond Ofsted Inquiry’s final report was published in November 2023 and calls for radical and transformational change to the inspectorate. Read the inquiry's recommendation.