Schools inspectors inspect and report on the quality of education in schools. They work in teams, led by a lead inspector, and carry out inspections which can take from three days to two weeks, depending on the size of the school.

The work of inspectors includes:

• preparing for the inspection by reading pre-inspection briefings
• observing lessons
• talking to teachers, pupils and parents
• recording observations
• contributing information and evidence to team meetings
• producing detailed written reports
• giving feedback to schools.

In England the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) is responsible for inspecting schools. OFSTED employs Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) who work as managing inspectors, leading or quality assuring inspections. Contracted inspectors (known as Additional Inspectors) are recruited and trained by regional inspection service providers (RISPs).

Inspectors are employed by Estyn in Wales, by the Department of Education, Education and Training Inspectorate in Norther Ireland and by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in Scotland. 

Hours and Environment

As a schools inspector, your working hours will vary, especially during inspections. You will usually be based at home and work in all the schools in the area covered by your employer. As this will involve quite a lot of travel, you are likely to need a driving licence.

Skills and Interests

To be a schools inspector you need:

• the ability to gather, analyse and interpret evidence
• teamworking skills 
• the ability to make objective, fair judgements based on evidence
• excellent oral and written communication skills 
• the ability to give critical judgements in a sensitive way
• observational and interviewing skills.

Entry

To become a schools inspector you will need:

• a relevant degree or equivalent teaching qualification
• at least five years recent successful teaching experience
• three years recent relevant management experience, for example as a head teacher, deputy head or head of department 
• up to date knowledge of the curriculum, recent developments and statutory requirements in education.

You must have a CRB check.

See the OFSTED, Estyn, Department of Education Northern Ireland and HMIE websites for more details – there are links in Further Information below.

Training

Before being accepted as an inspector you will have to attend a training course which is provided or approved by the relevant inspectorate.

As an inspector you will be expected to attend regular professional development training.

Opportunities

In England, OFSTED employs HMIs. Additional Inspectors are employed by Regional Inspection Service Providers (RISPs). See the OFSTED website for contact details for the RISPs - there is a link in Further Information below.

In Wales, Estyn employs HMI and recruits and trains independent inspectors for organisations to use on a contract basis when inspecting schools. Most inspections are carried out by independent inspectors.

In Northern Ireland, inspectors are employed by the Department of Education, Education and Training Inspectorate.

In Scotland, inspectors are employed by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE)

See Further Information below for contact details for all these.

Annual Income

These figures are intended as a guideline only.

HMIs in OFSTED earn around £46,000 to £57,000 a year.
Estyn HMIs earn up to around £59,500.
In Scotland HMIs earn between  £40,441 and £57,732 a year.

Further information

Tel: 01506 600200 Anchor Court
Keen Road
Cardiff
CF24 5JW
Tel: 029 2044 6446 Royal Exchange Buildings  
St Ann's Square
Manchester
M2 7LA 
Tel: 0845 640 4045