Ofsted survey finds inspections still harm teachers' wellbeing

School inspections continue to damage the mental wellbeing of teachers and school leaders, according to a survey commissioned by Ofsted itself, prompting head teachers' unions to call for urgent change.

The survey found 88 per cent of respondents said inspection under Ofsted's renewed framework had "negatively affected" the mental wellbeing of school staff, including 29 per cent who said it had affected them "a lot".

The new framework

Ofsted's renewed education inspection framework introduced new evaluation areas and grades, set out in colour-coded report cards in place of the old single-word judgements. It places a greater emphasis on inclusion, wellbeing and collaboration. Inspections under the new framework began in November 2025 with schools that volunteered, and routine inspections began in January 2026.

"We are on the right track"

Ofsted's chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: "The data published today shows that we are on the right track. We are inspecting first and foremost in the interests of children and maintaining high standards, while at the same time improving the experience for the hard-working professionals in our nurseries, schools and colleges."

"I know that workload and wellbeing in education continue to be challenging, and I don't take that lightly. We will keep listening to feedback from professionals and parents alike as we continue to improve what we do."

"A damning indictment"

Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "It is extremely serious that the health of so many educators is being undermined and we do not understand how the chief inspector can then say the system is on the right track."

"The feedback that we receive from our members shows a devastating toll on wellbeing and several have told us they will leave the profession before undergoing another Ofsted inspection," he said.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the findings "should stop everyone in their tracks". "The evidence is clear that the framework is still creating unacceptable levels of pressure, workload and stress," he said. "It is a damning indictment, certainly not a vindication."

Why inspections changed

Ofsted came under intense pressure to reform after the death of Ruth Perry, a head teacher in Reading, in 2023. A coroner found that an Ofsted inspection had contributed to her death. Single-word overall judgements for schools were dropped in 2024, and the new report cards were designed to give parents a fuller picture while reducing the pressure of a single label.

What it means in Birmingham

Birmingham has more than 400 schools, and teachers and leaders across the city are now being inspected under the new framework. Recruiting and keeping teachers is already a challenge in parts of the city, and unions warn that pressure from inspection adds to the risk of experienced staff leaving.

Support for teachers

Teachers who are struggling can get free, confidential support from the charity Education Support, which runs a helpline open around the clock on 08000 562 561, as well as from their union and their school's employee assistance scheme.