This session equips school leaders with practical strategies to meet the expectations of the new Ofsted framework (November 2025). It focuses on Curriculum & Teaching, Achievement, and Inclusion, helping leaders prepare confidently for inspection and embed sustainable improvement.

Course Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the six evaluation areas and the new grading scale.
• Explore what Exemplary practice looks like for curriculum and teaching.
• Learn how to evidence achievement and inclusion effectively.
• Prepare for scenario-based questioning and the report card approach.
• Identify practical steps to integrate these expectations into school development planning.

Course Outline

1. Navigating Ofsted 2025 - What's Changed and Why It Matters

• Overview of the new framework and grading language:
  • Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention, Urgent Improvement
• Understanding the six evaluation areas:
  • Curriculum & Teaching, Achievement, Inclusion, Leadership & Governance, Attendance & Behaviour, Personal Development & Wellbeing.

2. Curriculum & Teaching - Designing and Delivering to Excellence

• What Ofsted now expects:
  • Coherent sequencing and progression across subjects.
  • Ambition for all learners, including SEND and disadvantaged.
• Embedding adaptive teaching and evidence-based pedagogy.
• Practical strategies for demonstrating quality and consistency in classroom practice.

3. Inclusion and Achievement - Evidence Belonging and Progress

• Inclusion as a standalone judgment:
  • How to demonstrate pupils achieve, belong, and thrive.
• Using contextual data, pupil voice, and case studies effectively.
• Strategies for closing gaps and supporting diverse needs.

4. Preparing for the Report Card - Presenting Data and Narrative with Confidence

• Understanding the new multi-area grading and narrative summaries.
• Role-play: Responding to inspector questions on curriculum, inclusion, and achievement.
• Tips for engaging governors and staff in inspection readiness.

Key Benefits of Attending This Course

• Gain up-to-date knowledge of the 2025 Ofsted inspection framework
• Improve confidence in presenting curriculum, teaching, and achievement evidence
• Learn how to prepare for deep dives and inspector questioning
• Strengthen whole-school readiness through staff and stakeholder engagement
• Access practical tools and templates to support inspection preparation
• Enhance leadership capacity and strategic planning for future inspections

Presenter Profile

Marc Cooper has a background in educational leadership, school improvement, professional development and academic research. He has held senior positions in a number of educational institutions, ranging from schools, MATs and universities. Marc was the Research and Development Lead for the largest MAT in Cornwall (CELT) and currently works with the EEF & Research schools as a Regional Implementation lead. He is also an associate fellow at the International Centre for Education Enhancement, at the University of Bolton, leading and collaborating on their international Laboratory Schools programme.

Cost: £150 per delegate; £50 each for subsequent delegates from same school

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