Independent school inspection fees, and standards

Overview

Proposals for revised fees for Ofsted inspection of independent schools, and amendment of the independent school standards.

Why your views matter

We are consulting on the following:

a. the proposed replacement of regulations governing the fees charged to independent schools by Ofsted for inspections, by a new set of regulations which set out revised fee levels and new categories of inspection for which fees would be payable; and

b. the proposed amendment of regulations which prescribe independent school standards. These amendments are minor, and designed to bring up to date references in the regulations to the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Boarding applicable to independent schools and residential special schools, so that regulatory action may be based on the current (2015) NMS.

What happens next

After consultation has closed, all responses will be considered. A government response document will be published setting out how the government intends to take forward the proposals set out in the consultation. The impact assessment relating to inspection fees published in the consultation (which is based on earlier cost data) will also be updated in the light of responses received and latest cost data. If the government decides to proceed with the proposals, either in their current or amended form, then Parliamentary approval will be needed for the new fees regulations and the amended independent school standards regulations