Throughout 2022-23 ISI undertook a four phase pilot programme across a sample of volunteer schools.
We used these pilot visits to explore and test inspection methodology in schools, discussing and working with senior leaders, staff and pupils. In the summer term 2023, we will undertook pilot visits based on the proposed timescale and methodology of inspections using the new framework.
We were fortunate that many schools volunteered to take part and represented the range of different schools across the sector, from single sex to co-educational, large all-through schools to much smaller ones, with different age groups and both boarding and day provision in all regions of the country.
Schools have been visited by small teams of our senior inspectors, Senior Directors and our Chief Inspector.
As part of the pilot process and feedback, we developed our four guiding principles of inspection.
The pilots also built on existing inspection methodology to develop a clear structure for the evaluation and triangulation of evidence relating to pupils’ education, training and recreation.