We want everyone to feel confident in Ofsted inspections and the inspectors who carry them out.
In April 2025, our Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, committed to introducing inspector accreditation as a way of recognising and verifying inspectors’ expertise. The aim was to establish a clear, robust and externally validated approach that recognises professional expertise, supports continuous development and helps people feel confident in the standards that underpin our inspections.
Accreditation provides greater transparency about the standards inspectors are expected to meet and the ways we support them.
This month, September 2026, we have begun the process of rolling out accreditation to all our inspectors. We have started with inspectors employed by Ofsted – His Majesty’s Inspectors and Regulatory Inspectors working in education and social care.
I am pleased to share that all eligible employed inspectors have now achieved accreditation. This is an important milestone for Ofsted and an important step in strengthening confidence in the way inspection is delivered.
Independent assurance from the British Standards InstitutionWe have not undertaken this work alone. I’m pleased to confirm that Ofsted’s accreditation arrangements have achieved external certification through the British Standards Institution.
This independent certification provides assurance that the systems supporting accreditation meet recognised international quality standards.
Our certification by the British Standards Institution requires external verification of the high standards, training and professional development arrangements already embedded across Ofsted, and regular checking of our accreditation decisions.
Why accreditation mattersInspectors carry out their roles daily on behalf of children and learners with professionalism, empathy and expert judgement. It is essential that parents, learners, providers and inspectors themselves have the clear assurance that inspectors are consistently meeting high standards.
Accreditation provides externally validated assurance that inspectors are working within a consistent framework of professional standards, training and quality assurance.
It sets a framework in which inspector expertise is not assumed, but is recognised, maintained and independently validated.
Accreditation also draws together existing high expectations around induction, training, professional development, reflective practice and quality assurance.
It confirms that inspectors have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of them and that these standards are supported through established quality assurance arrangements.
In doing so it provides a clear and consistent framework for developing and maintaining an inspector’s expertise throughout their entire career.
It therefore means everyone can trust that inspection is carried out by professionals whose expertise has been formally recognised and independently verified.
Together with independent certification from the British Standards Institution, accreditation demonstrates Ofsted’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, continuous improvement and openness about how inspector expertise is developed, maintained and recognised.
Looking aheadInspector accreditation is now a significant part of how we support inspectors, and we will continue to develop and extend this approach over time.
We have begun with our employed inspectors, but the benefits and standards of accreditation will be extended to all those who inspect on Ofsted’s behalf. We will therefore be communicating shortly with our contracted Ofsted Inspector colleagues, letting them know how we will extend the benefits of a consistent and externally validated accreditation framework to them, so that all those who inspect on Ofsted’s behalf are accredited to the same standard.
As we do this, we will continue to strengthen the arrangements that support high-quality inspection and regulation, enabling parents and providers to feel greater confidence in Ofsted’s work and ultimately contributing to better outcomes for children and learners.
https://educationinspection.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/28/introducing-inspector-accreditation/
seen at 14:37, 28 September in Ofsted: education.