Ofsted to ditch one-word ratings for FE in September

Ofsted FE chief hinted at consultation in the new year for tailored inspection frameworks

Ofsted FE chief hinted at consultation in the new year for tailored inspection frameworks

Overall effectiveness grades will be ditched from FE and skills inspections in September, one year after the “low information, high stakes” Ofsted judgments were axed for schools. 

A senior inspector told the Association of Employment and Learning Providers autumn conference this week the watchdog needed the extra time because “FE is a little more complicated”. 

Paul Joyce, Ofsted’s deputy director for FE and skills, told delegates: “We are part of the accountability system, so our actions need to take account of the whole system. 

“You will know, contract management and all sorts of other decisions DfE make are based on that grade. So we can’t lose the grade overnight. Our intention is it will go from September 2025.” 

Several private providers have faced contract termination by the Education and Skills Funding Agency in the last year following ‘inadequate’ Ofsted inspections, such as Derby Skillbuild and Salford and Trafford Engineering Group Training Association Ltd

“[An inspection] matters to you, particularly to providers in this room, because it may well be your business and your livelihood, and the consequences of a poor inspection might be very, very significant,” Joyce said. “There isn’t an inspector that doesn’t know that.” 

Joyce also alluded to a consultation in the new year taking forward Ofsted’s Big Listen reform proposals, such as new tailored inspection frameworks and report cards. 

Longer notice periods for inspections could be part of those reforms, he hinted. 

The deputy director said: “You wanted longer notice periods for providers, and we’ve listened. We’ve heard that, and we’ll respond in due course.” 

The Big Listen was launched in March and sought feedback on inspection reform following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. 

Joyce confirmed that Ofsted will be commencing a formal consultation with the sector early next year to examine its proposals “properly”.

Latest education roles from

Principal (Harrow College) – HRUC

Principal (Harrow College) – HRUC

FEA

Deputy Director of Apprenticeships

Deputy Director of Apprenticeships

Manchester Metropolitan University

Independent Non- Executive Director (INED)

Independent Non- Executive Director (INED)

League Football Education

Initial Teacher Training Programme Lead

Initial Teacher Training Programme Lead

Scarborough Sixth Form College

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Supporting the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan Through Skills

The UK Government’s Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain strategy sets a legally binding path towards a net-zero transport...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Project power: ASDAN expands its qualifications portfolio

From 2026, ASDAN’s planned Foundation and Higher Project Qualifications will sit alongside its Extended Project Qualification[CM1] , creating a complete...

Advertorial
ATAs

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, celebrating outstanding employers and providers with national recognition, a...

FE Week Reporter
Sponsored post

Funding Adult Green Skills

New sources of funding are available to finance the delivery of green skills to all learners. Government policy is...

Tyler Palmer

More from this theme

Ofsted

Ofsted reforms ‘the most sensible’ way forward, Oliver tells MPs

Chief inspector also praises watchdog’s ‘more human’ complaints process but admits to ‘concern’ over union tension

Billy Camden
Ofsted

ASCL drops Ofsted inspector threat – but mulls legal action

Union shelves plan to ask leaders to step down as inspectors - but says it has 'resolved to explore...

FE Week Reporter
Ofsted

ASCL joins Ofsted preparation ‘cottage industry’ it once criticised

Watchdog urges leaders not to 'spend limited resources' on preparing for inspection after union launches paid-for webinars

John Dickens
Ofsted

‘Inadequate’ apprenticeship provider accuses Ofsted of creating ‘state of fear’

The firm unsuccessfully contested the rating

Anviksha Patel

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *